[Diagnosis of mild arterial hypertension: 3 or 5 measurements?]

To determine the differences in the diagnosis of light arterial hypertension between using three tension measurements (over 2 or 3 weeks) or five (6 or 7 weeks).

A descriptive, longitudinal study.

Santomera Health Centre, Murcia.

In 245 patients initially diagnosed as suffering from light Hypertension (with three takes of blood pressure), two more tension measurements were taken, over four weeks, to make a definitive diagnosis of light arterial Hypertension. 156 patients completed the series, for whom the differences in diagnosis between three and five takes, and variations in their blood pressure figures on repetition of the measurements, were studied. There were no differences in patients' basic characteristics between those who completed the tests and those who didn't. But there were differences between different professionals regarding their compliance with the procedure.

19.9% of the patients diagnosed initially after three blood pressure measurements did not have the diagnosis confirmed after five. Repetition of the measurements signified decrease in diastolic (p < 0.00005) and systolic (p < 0.00005) pressures. Average age of patients definitely diagnosed as having light hypertension was higher than the age of those not confirmed (p < 0.005). The older the patient, the higher the systolic pressure (p < 0.0001).

The diagnosis of light arterial hypertension differed in 19.9% between three measurements and five.