Evaluation of electronic, digital blood pressure monitors: failure rates and accuracy.

Four electronic, digital blood pressure monitors intended for home use were evaluated for failure rate and accuracy. Blood pressures from the electronic monitors were compared to standard clinical, manual auscultatory blood pressure measurements, concurrently and sequentially recorded. The instruments were evaluated for accuracy by linear regression and coefficients of correction. Wide variations were observed in the accuracy and failure rates of these monitors. It appears, therefore, that there are significant differences between the various electronic, digital blood pressure monitors available. Some of these may not be suitable for home use at the present time.