[Usefulness of the Remler device in avoiding overtreatment of the so-called hypertensive population]

To assess the reliability of the Remler system, a semi-automatic pressure recording device, several blood pressures were measured simultaneously by the conventional auscultatory method and by the Remler in 12 normotensive volunteers. In all situations tested both the Remler and auscultatory blood pressures were very close, thus demonstrating the reliability of this new technique. Ambulatory blood pressure recordings were then obtained with the Remler in 245 untreated patients referred for hypertension by their private physicians. Surprisingly, in close to 60% of them the average of all blood pressures recorded during usual activities was within the normal range. Since cardiovascular complications seem to correlate better with ambulatory than with office blood pressure levels, the Remler system appears particularly useful in recognizing those patients who, although hypertensive in the physician's office, remain normotensive during the day and therefore may not require antihypertensive treatment.