Original Article Validation of the Omron HEM 742 Blood Pressure Monitoring Device in Adolescents

Background: Accurate blood pressure measurement is fundamental for scientific investigation or clinical decision-making. In this sense, it is important to verify the values provided by electronic devices. Objective: To validate the Omron HEM 742 blood pressure monitoring device in adolescents according to criteria suggested by the British Hypertension Society. Methods: A total of 50 adolescents aged between 0 and 6 years participated in the study. The automated Omron HEM 742 monitor was connected in Y to the mercury column auscultatory device, then three simultaneous measurements were taken, and the differences between the readings of the two devices were calculated. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot (agreement) were used to verify the relationship between both devices. Specificity and sensitivity of the device were determined by using the ROC curve. Results: The comparison between the measurements showed an equal to or lower than 5mmHg difference in 67.3 % of the systolic values, and 69.3 % of the diastolic values; an equal to or lower than 0mmHg difference occurred in 87.3% and 90.6 % of the systolic and diastolic values, respectively; an equal to or lower than 5mmHg difference was found in 96.6 % of the systolic values and 97.3 % of the diastolic values. These findings are consistent with a grade A according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. A marked consonance was observed between the values obtained by the automated monitor and this device was proven to be capable of identifying the presence or absence of high bloo