REPORT OF A SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Recommendations for Human Blood Pressure Determination by Sphygmomanometers

SYSTEMIC arterial blood pressure* represents a force which is the result of cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. It is readily measured indirectly by a standard sphygmomanometer. Compared with intra-arterial measurements of blood pressure, the indirect method is imprecise. Nevertheless, it is known that properly measured indirect blood pressure readings in the upper ranges and wide swings of blood pressure in the same individual are important signs of vascular disease. This booklet will point out common errors in the indirect measurement of blood pressure, indicate the means to avoid them, and recommend certain standards to increase the accuracy of measurement and recording. The booklet, represents the second revision of the standards first proposed in 1939.'1, 2