Validation of the SpaceLabs 90207 automatic non-invasive blood pressure monitor in elderly subjects

OBJECTIVE: To validate the SpaceLabs 90207 ambulatory blood pressure monitor in the elderly. METHODS: Eighty-five subjects aged 60-90 years were recruited from hospital inpatients. Using the same-arm sequential measurement technique two observers recorded blood pressure with a mercury sphygmomanometer first and then by using the SpaceLabs 90207 ambulatory monitor. This set of blood pressure readings was performed three times with all 85 subjects supine, sitting and standing. Data were analysed according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. RESULTS: Over the blood pressure range tested the SpaceLabs 90207 device recorded diastolic blood pressure (DBP) satisfactorily, achieving grade A in all body postures, but not systolic blood pressure (SBP; supine D, standing C, sitting C). However, at SBP