Accuracy and reproducibility of ambulatory blood pressure recorder measurements during rest and exercise

Summary

Blood pressure (BP) readings obtained by an Avionics ambulatory BP monitoring device (ABPM) were compared with values obtained simultaneously by auscultation (AUSC) in 14 non-hypertensive individuals on two separate days during the following standardized conditions: (1) 15 minute supine rest (SU), (2) 2 minute standing rest (ST), (3) 90 second isometric handgrip at 50% max. (HG), (4) submaximum bicycle exercise at 50, 75, 100, and 125 Watts (BEX). Pearson product moment correlations between ABPM and AUSC on Day 1 for systolic pressures (SBP) ranged from 0.92 to 0.96 during SU, ST and HG and was 0.92 during BEX, while diastolic pressures (DBP) were 0.74 to 0.93 during SU, ST, and HG and 0.60 during BEX. Correlations between ABPM and AUSC on Day 2 were similar to Day 1. The correlations between Day 1 and Day 2 for SBP measured by ABPM were 0.68 to 0.80 during SU, ST and HG and 0.89 during BEX and were similar to the reproducibility of AUSC readings (SU, ST and HG = 0.70 to 0.76, BEX = 0.93). The correlations between Day 1 and Day 2 for DBP during SU, ST and HG were 0.53 to 0.59 for ABPM and 0.63 to 0.79 for AUSC. During BEX correlations for DBP were 0.61 for ABPM and 0.28 for AUSC. In conclusion, these data indicate an overall high level of accuracy and reproducibility for ABPM at rest and during moderate levels of activity.