The aim of this study was to test the self-blood pressure (Self-BP) measurement device Copal UA-251 (Philips). This device uses auscultatory method for BP measurement. It was compared to reference methods: intraarterial and Hawksley Random Zero in 38 patients, selected in two groups: group RO (n = 18), compared Copal to Random Zero. 20 simultaneous measurements were recorded, with devices inversion at eleventh BP measurement, in 18 treated or untreated hypertensive patients. Group IA (n = 20) included 20 patients and compared Copal to intra-aortic measurement. Three simultaneous measurements were recorded, before a coronarography was performed, in 20 normo or hypertensive patients.
Results: (Table: see text). 1) A significant difference was recorded for SBP evaluated by Copal versus RO and for DBP measured by Copal versus IA. 2) A significant correlation was assessed between the different methods of measurement. 3) Differences between couples of RO-Copal values are not correlated to BP level, neither for SBP (r = 0.07), nor DBP (r = 0.05). Same results occur for IA-Copal values (SBP: r = 0.36, DBP: r = 0.30). 4) No order effect was found; no discrepancy between arms occurred in BP measurement.
Conclusion: comparing intraaortic measure, Copal is efficient for SBP measurement, but overestimate DBP. Compared to R0, Copal overestimates SBP, but is efficient for DBP measurement. Regarding these results, a self-BP measurement is possible with this device.