Abstract:
High systolic blood pressure (BP) is the single leading modifiable risk factor for death worldwide. Accurate BP
measurement is the cornerstone for screening, diagnosis, and management of hypertension. Inaccurate BP measurement
is a leading patient safety challenge. A recent World Health Organization report has outlined the technical specifications
for automated noninvasive clinical BP measurement with cuff. The report is applicable to ambulatory, home, and office
devices used for clinical purposes. The report recommends that for routine clinical purposes, (1) automated devices be
used, (2) an upper arm cuff be used, and (3) that only automated devices that have passed accepted international accuracy
standards (eg, the International Organization for Standardization 81060-2; 2018 protocol) be used. Accurate measurement
also depends on standardized patient preparation and measurement technique and a quiet, comfortable setting. The World
Health Organization report provides steps for governments, manufacturers, health care providers, and their organizations
that need to be taken to implement the report recommendations and to ensure accurate BP measurement for clinical
purposes. Although, health and scientific organizations have had similar recommendations for many years, the World Health
Organization as the leading governmental health organization globally provides a potentially synergistic nongovernment
government opportunity to enhance the accuracy of clinical BP assessment.
