The discussion which method of blood pressure management, manual or automated, provides more accurate results has been going on for years. The latest findings indicate that blood pressure measurements using a stethoscope are more than 4 percentage points lower than those taken using automated equipment, according to a 10-year study conducted by Minnesota-based Health Partners Institute. It is possible to have a stroke or a heart attack without having a blood pressure reading 4 points lower than actual blood pressure, according to the study’s lead author Dr Thomas Kottke.
In order to give more reliable results, Kottke recommends that all doctor’s offices and clinics switch to automatic blood pressure monitors. One can take readings more frequently in a relaxed environment with an automated blood pressure device designed for home use.
