Background: Noninvasive central blood pressure (BP) independently predicts mortality, but current methods are operator-dependent, requiring skill to obtain quality recordings. The aims of this study were first, to determine the validity of an automatic, upper arm oscillometric cuff method for estimating central BP (O_CBP) by comparison with the noninvasive reference standard of radial tonometry (T_CBP). Second, we determined the intratest and intertest reliability of O_CBP.

Methods: To assess validity, central BP was estimated by O_CBP (Pulsecor R6.5B monitor) and compared with T_CBP (SphygmoCor) in 47 participants free from cardiovascular disease (aged 57 ± 9 years) in supine, seated, and standing positions. Brachial mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic BP (DBP) from the O_CBP device were used to calibrate in both devices. Duplicate measures were recorded in each position on the same day to assess intratest reliability, and participants returned within 10 ± 7 days for repeat measurements to assess intertest reliability.

Results: There was a strong intraclass correlation (ICC = 0.987, P < 0.001) and small mean difference (1.2 ± 2.2 mm Hg) for central systolic BP (SBP) determined by O_CBP compared with T_CBP. Ninety-six percent of all comparisons (n = 495 acceptable recordings) were within 5 mm Hg. With respect to reliability, there were strong correlations but higher limits of agreement for the intratest (ICC = 0.975, P < 0.001, mean difference 0.6 ± 4.5 mm Hg) and intertest (ICC = 0.895, P < 0.001, mean difference 4.3 ± 8.0 mm Hg) comparisons.

Conclusions: Estimation of central SBP using cuff oscillometry is comparable to radial tonometry and has good reproducibility. As a noninvasive, relatively operator-independent method, O_CBP may be as useful as T_CBP for estimating central BP in clinical practice.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	augmentation index, blood pressure, blood pressure monitor, hypertension, pressure waveform analysis, suprasystolic, tonometry
Research Division:	Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Research Group:	Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
Research Field:	Cardiology (incl. cardiovascular diseases)
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical health
Objective Field:	Clinical health not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Climie, RED (Dr Rachel Climie)
UTAS Author:	Schultz, MG (Dr Martin Schultz)
UTAS Author:	Nikolic, SB (Mrs Sonja Nikolic)
UTAS Author:	Ahuja, KDK (Dr Kiran Ahuja)
UTAS Author:	Fell, JW (Associate Professor James Fell)
UTAS Author:	Sharman, JE (Professor James Sharman)
ID Code:	78408
Year Published:	2012
Web of Science® Times Cited:	46
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2012-06-26
Last Modified:	2013-05-13
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