Simultaneous Direct and Indirect Blood Pressure Measurements in Man at Rest and Work

Abstract

Comparisons of the blood pressure by the sphygmo- manometric and intra-arterial (electromanometer) methods in 11 men were made with the subjects at rest in the supine and standing positions and during several grades of work (walking on a motor-driven treadmill) and for 3 min. of recovery. During standing and work the indirect systolic pressure was under- estimated 8-15 mm. Hg. During the first 3 min. of recovery, this method overestimated the systolic blood pressure by mean values of 16-38 mm. Hg. During the hardest work level, walking at 3.5 m.p.h. on a 10% grade and during the 1st min. of recovery, a no. of subjects were found in whom reasonable values for diastolic pressure could not be detd. by the indirect method.