Heart Biomarker Evaluation in Apnea Treatment

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 Guidelines for Obtaining Accurate Resting Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) readings of high quality are fundamental to understanding the role of exposures such as sleep apnea on predisposition to hypertension. Yet many factors, including influences of the subject, the observer, the equipment, and the circumstances of the measurement, work against the attainment of this basic objective. Good results cannot be taken for granted, then, and special attention must be focused on BP measurement procedures.

2.1.2 Equipment Needed

1. Tape Measure (cm)
2. Various size cuffs: thigh, large adult, adult, child, infant
3. Sphygmomanometer (calibrated against a mercury device or other gold standard measuring instrument within prior 6 months).
4. Stethoscope and Double Headed Stethoscope for BP certification