What are the recommendations for measuring blood pressure?
The recommendations on measuring blood pressure and diagnosing hypertension in this guideline apply to all adults, including those with type 2 diabetes. Healthcare professionals taking blood pressure measurements should have adequate initial training and periodic review of their skills. Automated devices may not measure blood pressure accurately if there is pulse irregularity, so the radial or brachial pulse should be palpated before measuring blood pressure. If pulse irregularity is present, blood pressure should be measured manually using direct auscultation over the brachial artery. Healthcare providers must ensure that devices for measuring blood pressure are properly validated, maintained, and regularly recalibrated according to manufacturers' instructions.