Accuracy of the Omron HEM 706 portable monitor for home measurement of blood pressure.

A reliable, well-validated home blood pressure (BP) self-measurement device could have an important role in the management of hypertension by the early identification of 'white coat' hypertensives. Under rigorous assessment such devices have not performed well in the estimation of DBP, particularly in the hypertensive range. We assessed the Omron HEM 706 device (oscillometric) for home measurement of BP according to the standards set out by the British Hypertension Society protocol and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The device was compared with simultaneous measurements made by two 'blinded' observers using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer in the same arm in 85 subjects aged 17-76 years with a wide range of BPs. The device was satisfactory over the whole BP range (SBP 89-188 mmHg, DBP 44-118 mmHg), with a B grading for SBP and a C grading for DBP (British Hypertension Society protocol) and a PASS for both SBP and DBP (AAMI). For the diastolic hypertensive range 90-120 mmHg, where most clinical decisions are made, the device scored a B grade for SBP and an A grade for DBP, with a PASS for both SBP and DBP. We conclude the Omron HEM 706 device for home BP measurement is highly satisfactory, particularly in the mild to moderate hypertension range, and is suitable for clinical use.