Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
08:42

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research

Published on: October 22, 2014

Correlation between the brachial blood pressure values obtained using the cuff method and the central blood pressure

Hiroshi Kobayashi1, Mineko Kinou, Kenji Takazawa

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Japan. koba-pci@tokyo-med.ac.jp

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|August 2, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) measured via catheter is higher than brachial systolic blood pressure (bSBP) from cuffs. This difference in elderly patients is due to cuff method underestimation of bSBP.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular physiology
  • Medical device technology
  • Clinical diagnostics

Background:

  • Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) is a key cardiovascular indicator.
  • Discrepancies between cSBP (catheter) and brachial systolic blood pressure (bSBP) (cuff) measurements are common.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate hypertension management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the reasons for higher cSBP values obtained via catheter compared to bSBP values obtained via cuff.
  • To quantify the discrepancy between catheter-derived cSBP and cuff-derived bSBP.
  • To determine if cuff-based bSBP underestimates direct catheter measurements.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 20 patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG).
  • cSBP measured using a catheter-guided pressure wire inserted via the radial artery.
  • bSBP measured using both the pressure guide wire and a standard cuff method.

Main Results:

  • Catheter cSBP was 4.6 mmHg higher than cuff bSBP.
  • Cuff bSBP was 8.3 mmHg lower than catheter-derived bSBP.
  • Catheter cSBP was 1.7 mmHg lower than catheter-derived bSBP.

Conclusions:

  • In elderly patients with coronary heart disease, higher cSBP from catheter measurements is observed.
  • The cuff method significantly underestimates brachial systolic blood pressure (bSBP) by 8.3 mmHg compared to direct catheter measurement.
  • This underestimation by the cuff method explains the higher cSBP readings when using a catheter.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (Cf-PWV) to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Related Concept Videos

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
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...
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.
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...
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure01:28

Special 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.