Comparison of multiple blood pressure frequency methods with optimum blood pressure measurement among Iranian individuals

 Proper blood pressure (BP) measurement frequency method is less evaluated to optimize hypertension (HTN) status among different nations due to cultural patience variations. The aim of this study was to compare the first (BP1), second (BP2), and the mean of first and second (BP1,2) and all the three (BP1,2,3) with the second and third BP measurements in Iranian individuals.

This cross‑sectional study was done on 2264 individuals aged 18 years or more living in Isfahan city, Iran. Their BPs were assessed from right arms by the standard tools and methods after 5 min of rest in a quiet room by a trained staff. The mean second and third readings were considered as reference, and the other aforementioned variables were compared with it.

The mean age of total population was 40.9 ± 16.1 years (males: 52%). Men had significant higher means of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) with any measurement frequency methods than women (P < 0.001 and P = 0.009). Considerable clinical significant (≥5 mmHg) ranges were mostly observed in BP1 compared with BP2,3. SBP2 and DBP2 indices showed insignificant differences compared with reference mean. Moreover, abnormal BP levels (≥140/90 mmHg) were mostly observed in terms of BP1 measurement with no remarkable variability in BP2 reading in comparison to the reference.

Our considerable data suggested that BP2 could appropriately categorize BP status similar to BP2,3 and it may be rational for physicians considering this mean and excluding the first BP measurement as a sole criterion for HTN assessment in Iranian adults. Multiple researches are necessary quantifying appropriate frequencies of BP reading.