Accurate measurement of blood pressure (BP) is essential for diagnosis and management of hypertension. The updated version of the AHA scientific statement on BP measurements in humans mentions the use of oscillometric devices to reduce human errors associated with the auscultatory approach and to obtain multiple readings in a single use for automated office BP readings.

Differences in BP when measured outside (ambulatory and home monitoring) vs in the office are discussed and the importance of measuring out of office BP to identify white-coat hypertension, masked hypertension, and high nighttime BP. Use of ambulatory BP monitoring is recommended to confirm hypertension outside the office, and home BP monitoring is considered as alternative when ambulatory monitoring is not available.

Also, methods how to measure BP in children and adolescents are mentioned; both oscillometric and auscultatory methods are acceptable. Finally, initial and ongoing training of technicians and healthcare providers and use of validated and calibrated devices are crucial to obtain accurate BP measurements.

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