[Comparison of the measurement accuracy of electronic blood pressure self measurement devices 1980-1983].

The accuracy of 21 new electronic devices designed for self-measurement of blood pressure has been tested on an average of 22-24 subjects each by simultaneous measurements on the same arm. Compared with electronic devices made in 1980 the accuracy has improved, especially with regard to the estimation of diastolic blood pressure. Nevertheless, most devices still give too low a value for diastolic blood pressure. In agreement with former results the systolic differences are greater in women and in normotensive subjects, whereas the diastolic differences are more pronounced in younger subjects, in males and in hypertensive patients. Despite the differences due to different sites of auscultation, the results of the best devices tested show that electronic devices may estimate the same blood pressure values over the brachial artery as measured by auscultation in the antecubital fossa. We therefore suggest stronger regulations for the licensing of new electronic devices.