Comparison Between Auscultatory and Oscillometric Reading of Blood Pressure Measurement While in Sitting and Supine Position

Abstract

Due to continuous debate of incompatible results of blood pressure by the two devices such as the automated oscillometer and the traditional mercury sphygmomanometer, a study was carried out to compare the accuracy of the two devices as well as the best position to measure blood pressure. A comparative study regarding the difference in values of BP (mmHg) between traditional auscultatory method and automated oscillometric readings in supine and sitting positions was conducted among medical students. Oscillometer produced high readings than the readings of sphygmomanometer. Besides, the blood pressure readings for systolic and diastolic are higher while sitting when compared to supine position as the blood is unevenly distributed to all part of the body in sitting position. This will lead to the increase in ionotropic effect of the heart to pump blood towards the upper part of the body. The differences between two methods showed there have a major problem or error in measuring blood pressure. It is therefore necessary to improve the method and ways to check the health especially in this area where slight differences may contribute to large errors.