Comparison of auscultatory and oscillometric blood pressures

OBJECTIVE: To study the differences in blood pressure readings between the auscultatory and oscillometric (Dinamap model 8100; Critikon, Tampa, Fla) methods. DESIGN: Survey of 2 blood pressure instruments. SETTING: Public schools. PARTICIPANTS: Seven thousand two hundred eight schoolchildren aged 5 through 17 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Blood pressure levels. RESULTS: For all children combined, Dinamap systolic pressure readings were 10 mm Hg higher (95% confidence interval, -4 to 24 mm Hg) than the auscultatory systolic pressure readings. Dinamap diastolic pressure readings were 5 mm Hg higher (95% confidence interval, -14 to 23 mm Hg) than the auscultatory Korotkoff phase V diastolic pressure readings. CONCLUSION: These findings preclude the interchange of readings by the 2 methods. Caution must be exercised in the diagnosis of hypertension when an automated device is used.