Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Automated blood pressure measurement in atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

George S Stergiou1, Anastasios Kollias, Antonios Destounis

  • 1Hypertension Center, Third University Department of Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece. gstergi@med.uoa.gr

Journal of Hypertension
|August 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Automated blood pressure monitors show accuracy for systolic but not diastolic measurements in atrial fibrillation patients. They are suitable for home use but not recommended for office measurements.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Blood pressure measurement in atrial fibrillation (AF) is challenging, with current guidelines favoring manual auscultation.
  • The reliability of automated blood pressure monitors (ABPMs) in AF patients remains a subject of debate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze studies validating ABPMs against manual auscultatory methods in patients with sustained atrial fibrillation.
  • To assess the accuracy of automated devices for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurement in AF.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of validation studies comparing automated (oscillometric, automated Korotkov) and manual (mercury, aneroid) blood pressure devices.
  • Analysis included 12 studies with 566 patients, utilizing home, ambulatory, and office devices.

Main Results:

  • Pooled correlation coefficients were higher for SBP (r=0.89) than DBP (r=0.76).
  • Automated measurements showed a slight increase compared to manual for SBP (+0.5 mmHg) and DBP (+2.5 mmHg).
  • Accuracy varied, with differences within 5 mmHg for SBP in 65% of cases, but less consistent for DBP.

Conclusions:

  • Limited evidence and heterogeneity exist for ABPM validation in AF.
  • ABPMs appear accurate for SBP but not DBP in AF patients.
  • Automated monitors are deemed appropriate for self-home monitoring but not for office use in AF populations, particularly the elderly.
Abstract

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure01:10

Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

Accurate blood pressure assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. To ensure the reliability of these measurements, healthcare professionals must adhere to standardized pre-procedural guidelines. These guidelines enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The following steps are essential for obtaining accurate and consistent blood pressure readings, from using the appropriate tools to ensuring effective communication with the patient.
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)01:23

Assessment 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...
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)01:15

Assessment 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:
Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure01:30

Equipments 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...
Sites for measuring blood pressure01:21

Sites 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
Measurement of Blood Pressure01:17

Measurement 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.