PRE-ECLAMPSIA AND ECLAMPSIA

 

 

 

 

The woman should be rested and sitting at a 45-degree angle.

The blood pressure cuff should be of the appropriate size and should be placed at the level of the heart. Multiple readings should be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Korotkoff phase 5 is the appropriate measurement of diastolic blood pressure.

The method used should be consistent and documented.

Automated methods need to be used with caution, as they may give inaccurate blood pressure readings in pre-eclampsia.

The cuff should be of an appropriate size and should be placed at the level of the heart.

Multiple readings are required to accurately assess blood pressure because of natural variation.

Korotkoff phase 5 is the appropriate method for diastolic blood pressure.⁹⁸⁰¹

Concerns have been raised about the use of automated methods. Automated methods can systematically underestimate particularly the systolic blood pressure. It has been suggested that mercury sphygmomanometers should be used to establish baseline blood pressure as a reference unless the automated machine has been validated in pregnancy.^9901,0201 However, many units no longer have mercury sphygmomanometers and so a baseline check with another validated device would be an alternative.

 

DISCLAIMER

The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.