Development of the indirect method of recording blood pressure and hypertension diagnosis criteria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension, a serious public health problem, is highly associated to cardiovascular disease, main cause of worldwide death toll. OBJECTIVE: A literature review of the development of the indirect method of recording blood pressure and hypertension diagnosis criteria and classification. METHODS: Data was collected from bibliographic databases Lilacs, Scielo and Medline; key words: history and blood pressure determination, according to MeSH and DECs. 22 scientific articles were selected. Reports published by National and International Health Organizations were evaluated. RESULTS: The recording of blood pressure was first performed by invasive and rudimentary techniques; it evolved throughout the years to the modern mercury column and digital sphygmomanometers. Until the end of fifties there were no standardized criteria for hypertension diagnosis; these were established because of the increasing morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease. Currently, hypertension is defined as blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg. CONCLUSION: The development of the indirect method of recording blood pressure and hypertension diagnosis criteria has been an ongoing process. It has been as well very important for studying the physiopathology and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.