Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
14:09
Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
Can aneroid sphygmomanometers be used at altitude?
N A Kametas1, F McAuliffe, E Krampl
1Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK. n.kametas@btinternet.com
Journal of Human Hypertension
|April 18, 2006
Summary
Mercury-free aneroid devices offer accurate blood pressure readings at high altitudes. This study validates a portable aneroid device, finding it reliable for clinical use in populations living at high elevations.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Growing concerns over mercury's environmental and health impacts are driving the adoption of mercury-free medical devices.
- Accurate blood pressure measurement is crucial, especially in diverse environmental conditions like high altitude.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of a portable aneroid sphygmomanometer for blood pressure measurement in adults residing at high altitude.
- To assess device performance following British Hypertension Society protocol standards.
Main Methods:
- Calibration of the aneroid device at sea level and high altitude (4370 m).
- Validation using parallel comparisons with mercury sphygmomanometers in 10 subjects.
- Sequential and simultaneous same-arm measurements by two trained observers.
Main Results:
- All calibration comparisons between aneroid and mercury devices were within 3 mm Hg.
- The aneroid device achieved an 'A' grade for both systolic and diastolic pressures.
- Mean differences and standard deviations confirmed high accuracy in both sequential and simultaneous analyses.
Conclusions:
- The Riester-Exacta portable aneroid device is accurate and reliable for blood pressure measurement in adults at high altitude.
- This mercury-free device meets clinical validation standards, supporting its use in high-altitude environments.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
Direct Method
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Measuring blood pressure is a fundamental skill in healthcare that aids in diagnosing and monitoring hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. An aneroid sphygmomanometer, commonly used in clinical settings, offers a manual and precise method for blood pressure measurement. The technique for using this instrument involves specific steps that must be carefully executed to ensure accuracy. The following detailed description outlines a two-step technique for assessing blood pressure using...
01:21Sites for measuring blood pressure
Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental clinical procedure, providing crucial data for assessing cardiovascular health. Among the various sites for this measurement, the brachial and popliteal arteries are predominantly utilized due to their accessibility and the reliability of their readings. This lesson delves into the anatomical significance, methodology, and considerations of measuring blood pressure at these locations.
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure
Assessing blood pressure is a standard procedure executed in virtually all medical environments. The method utilized today was established over a hundred years ago by an innovative Russian doctor, Dr. Nikolai Korotkoff. The soft ticking noise, known as Korotkoff sounds, heard while taking blood pressure readings results from turbulent blood flow within the vessels. The apparatus required for this procedure includes a sphygmomanometer, a blood pressure cuff attached to a gauge, and a stethoscope.
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
This procedural guide systematically measures blood pressure using an oscillometric digital sphygmomanometer, emphasizing accuracy, patient safety, and comfort.
Prepare for the Procedure:
Prepare for the Procedure: