Reliability of compact electronic blood pressure monitors for hypertensive pregnant women

Self-monitoring of blood pressure is an asset to managing hypertensive pregnant women on an outpatient basis. Many brands of electronic blood pressure devices are now available for use during pregnancy. An investigation was undertaken to compare the relative accuracy and acceptability of four of the least expensive and most compact units (Sunbeam III, Norelco, Lumiscope and Marshall). The reliability of the devices was compared with simultaneous measurements using a Dinamap 845A monitor on 22 pregnant hypertensive women. All measurements were performed without difficulty by a skilled observer and the patients. The accuracy varied, but each electronic device was considered as accurate as a mechanical aneroid unit available at the same retail stores. The advantages of these electronic units were ease of application and readability of the measurements without the need for a stethoscope or an assistant.