Abstract

Background: Even after 115 years after the invention of Riva-Rocci Sphygmomanometer, the technique which shows the maximal accuracy of blood pressure (BP) measurement remains elusive. Currently, non-invasive BP (NIBP) recording is commonly done worldwide. Yet, intra-arterial pressure (IAP) recording gives a beat to beat accurate recording of one’s BP.

Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study are as follows: (1) To compare NIBP with IAP in various age groups and (2) to study the influence of age in the accuracy of NIBP recording.

Materials and Methods: A total of 98 patients aged 30–75 years posted for a coronary angiogram (CAG) were recruited for the study and divided into 3 groups based on age (Group I 30–45, Group II 46–60, and Group III 61–75). Two sets of NIBP and corresponding IAP (radial and aortic arterial pressures) were recorded during CAG. Paired t-test to compare the NIBP with corresponding IAP and ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni to check the influence of age with the accuracy of recording were done.

Results: NIBP differed significantly with the corresponding IAP when analyzed by paired t-test (P < 0.0001). Multiple comparisons between three age groups and the pressure difference by ANOVA were done. Age Groups I and III (30–45 years and 61–75 years) both systolic NIBPI versus radial artery pressure (P = 0.013) as well as diastolic NIBP II versus arterial blood pressure (ABP) (P = 0.053) pressure comparison were widely different. Age Groups II (46–60 years) and III (61–70 years) varied in the diastolic NIBPII versus ABP comparison with P = 0.050. The results thus indicate that there is discrepancy of manual BP versus IAP with an increasing trend with the advancement of age.

Conclusion: Thus, the results indicate that there is a discrepancy of NIBP versus IAP with NIBP showing higher values which widens with advancing age.

Key words: Non-invasive Blood Pressure; Intra-arterial Pressure; Blood Pressure Recording; Aging