Research Article
Finger systolic pressure: its use in screening for hypertension and monitoring.
Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986; 293 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.293.6550.775 (Published 27 September 1986) Cite this as: Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986;293:775- A Close,
- G Hamilton,
- S Muriss
Abstract
A finger sphygmomanometer was compared with a mercury column sphygmomanometer for its ability to screen for hypertension. A total of 881 patients used each machine, both in initial screening and then for monitoring. The finger sphygmomanometer had a specificity of 98.5% in routine screening as compared with 97.6% for the mercury column device. Sensitivity of the finger device was 98.2%. These findings suggest that the finger sphygmomanometer using finger systolic pressure alone is adequate for screening and monitoring blood pressure.