Abstract

We evaluated a newly developed automated blood pressure monitor for measuring exercise blood pressure (Colin STBP-680). The STBP-680 uses acoustic transduction with the assistance of the electrocardiogram R-wave to trigger the sampling period for blood pressure measurement. The automated monitor readings were compared with simultaneous technician mercury sphygmomanometric readings in the same arm. Blood pressure was measured in 18 men at rest and during exercise at 40 VO2peak, (low intensity), 70 VO2peak (moderate intensity) and VO2peak (high intensity) on the cycle ergometer. Mean systolic blood pressure difference between automated monitor and mercury manometer readings at rest and during exercise at low, moderate and high work intensities were 3(0)mmHg, 3(2)mmHg, 1(1)mmHg, and 0(11)mmHg respectively. Resting diastolic blood pressure obtained with the STBP-680 was similar to mercury manometer readings. Exercise diastolic pressure at the low level of work intensity was almost identical between the automated monitor and mercury manometer readings. Diastolic blood pressure readings between the STBP-680 and mercury manometer showed a greater difference at the moderate and high workloads but this difference was not significant. The correlation for repeated submaximal exercise blood pressure determined by the STBP-680 was significant. Data show that the Colin STBP-680 accurately assessed systolic and diastolic pressure during rest and exercise, with the exception of diastolic pressure at moderate and high work intensity. Verf.-Referat