The AM5600 ambulatory blood pressure recording system

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience with the AM5600 (Advanced Medical Products, inc.) ambulatory blood pressure recorder-Holter monitor which has the unique features of providing full disclosure Holter data and the storage of Korotkoff signals for each blood pressure measurement. METHODS: We performed a total of 236 recording sessions with 118 normotensive subjects aged 49-74 years. We then selected 25 of the recordings randomly and examined them on two different occasions, first with the aid of the Korotkoff signals and later using the traditional technique, without the aid of the Korotkoff signals. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixteen (91.5%) recordings were completed successfully. Within these data sets, on average 82.3 +/- 12.1% of the measurements per recording were considered acceptable after examination of the Korotkoff signals. This comparison between the traditional and the Korotkoff technique resulted in a sensitivity 11.3% and a specificity 99.2% of those of the traditional method. CONCLUSION: The performance of the AM5600 is satisfactory and the storage of Korotkoff signals improves the detection of artifacts.