Hypertension Canada Statement on the use of cuffless blood pressure monitoring devices in clinical practice

Abstract

Background: Cuffless blood pressure (BP) devices are an emerging technology marketed as providing frequent, non-intrusive and reliable BP measurements. With the increasing interest in these devices, it is important for Hypertension Canada to provide a statement regarding the current place of cuffless BP measurements in hypertension management.

Methods: An overview of the technology in cuffless BP devices, the potential with this technology and the challenges related to determining the accuracy of these devices.

Results: Cuffless BP monitoring is an emerging field where various technologies are applied to measure BP without the use of a brachial cuff. None of the devices currently sold have been validated in static and dynamic conditions using a recognized validation standard. Important issues persist in regard to the accuracy and the place of these devices in clinical practice. Current data only support using validated cuff-based devices for the diagnosis and management of hypertension. Presently, readings from cuffless devices that are used for diagnosis or clinical management need to be confirmed using measurements obtained from a clinically validated BP device.

Conclusion: Cuffless BP devices are a developing technology designed to track BP in most daily-life activities. However, many steps remain before they should be used in clinical practice.

Keywords: Accuracy; Blood pressure measurements; Cuffless; Validation.