Accuracy of automated community pharmacy-based blood pressure devices.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate accuracy and reliability of pharmacy-based fixed-location automated blood pressure devices (ABPDs) and to test the hypothesis that an ABPD is less accurate with more variable results than a home blood pressure device (HBPD).

METHODS

Randomized study comparing 99 ABPDs with an Omron Digital HBPD in Indiana pharmacies. Each site was visited by one of five study investigators. A questionnaire was used to collect information about ABPDs. To test the ABPD against the HBPD, investigators measured their own blood pressure with each device three times in random order.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between HBPD and ABPD diastolic readings, whereas a statistically significant difference between HBPD and ABPD systolic readings was found. ABPD measurements are as reliable as HBPD measurements when comparing single measurements from each, but reliability differs with more than one reading.

CONCLUSION

Compared with a valid HBPD, the ABPD produces inaccurate systolic blood pressure values but similar reliability. Regular blood pressure measurement by health professionals remains optimal for managing hypertensive individuals.