Cuffless Blood Pressure Monitors May Lack Accuracy
In recent years, cuffless blood pressure monitors have gained popularity due to their convenience and ease of use. These devices claim to provide accurate readings without the need for a traditional blood pressure cuff. However, a recent study has raised concerns about the reliability of these monitors, suggesting that they may not be accurate enough to replace traditional cuff-based devices.
The study, published in the journal Hypertension, compared the readings of cuffless blood pressure monitors with those of traditional cuff-based devices. The results were alarming, with the cuffless monitors often providing lower readings and missing key changes in blood pressure, especially at night.
Traditional blood pressure monitors use a cuff that inflates around the arm to measure blood pressure. This method is considered the gold standard for measuring blood pressure because it is highly accurate and provides a precise reading. Cuffless monitors, on the other hand, use a variety of methods to estimate blood pressure, such as photoplethysmography (PPG) or pulse transit time (PTT).
The study, which involved 100 participants with hypertension, found that the cuffless monitors provided readings that were significantly lower than those of the traditional devices. On average, the cuffless monitors underestimated blood pressure by 5-10 mmHg, which is a significant difference. Furthermore, the study found that the cuffless monitors missed key changes in blood pressure, such as the natural fluctuations that occur throughout the day and night.
The researchers also found that the accuracy of the cuffless monitors was affected by various factors, including the participant’s body composition, skin tone, and arm size. This suggests that the devices may not be suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with certain health conditions or physical characteristics.
So, why are cuffless blood pressure monitors not reliable enough to replace traditional devices? There are several reasons. Firstly, cuffless monitors are not designed to measure blood pressure directly. Instead, they use indirect methods that estimate blood pressure based on changes in the body’s physiology, such as heart rate and blood flow. This can lead to inaccuracies, especially in individuals with certain health conditions.
Secondly, cuffless monitors are often calibrated using algorithms that are based on limited data and may not account for individual variations. This means that the devices may not be able to accurately adjust for differences in blood pressure between individuals.
Finally, cuffless monitors are not designed to provide 24-hour blood pressure tracking, which is an important aspect of managing hypertension. Traditional cuff-based devices can provide continuous monitoring, allowing individuals to track their blood pressure throughout the day and night. Cuffless monitors, on the other hand, typically require manual activation and may not provide continuous monitoring.
In light of these findings, it is clear that traditional cuff-based devices remain the better choice for accurate 24-hour blood pressure tracking. While cuffless monitors may be convenient and easy to use, they may not provide the level of accuracy required for effective blood pressure management.
For now, individuals with hypertension should continue to use traditional cuff-based devices to track their blood pressure. These devices have been shown to be highly accurate and reliable, and are an essential tool for managing hypertension. Cuffless monitors, on the other hand, should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Source:
https://thepfc.club/blogs/news/can-you-trust-cuffless-blood-pressure-monitors
