Accurate blood pressure (BP) monitoring is fundamental to preventing cardiovascular complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. However, in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib)—the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia worldwide—obtaining a reliable BP reading is more complex than in individuals with normal sinus rhythm.
AFib causes an irregular ventricular rate and variable stroke volume, leading to significant beat-to-beat fluctuations in BP values. This variability can affect clinical decision-making: single BP measurements in AFib patients often underestimate or overestimate the true average BP, potentially resulting in inappropriate treatment adjustments.
Challenges of Blood Pressure Measurement in AFib
Several factors make BP measurement in AFib patients particularly challenging:
Auscultatory limitations: Manual sphygmomanometers rely on detecting Korotkoff sounds, which may be inconsistent, faint, or absent in AFib patients, increasing the risk of underestimation or missed hypertension diagnosis (Shimbo et al., Hypertension, 2020).
Beat-to-beat variability: Systolic and diastolic pressures fluctuate significantly, so a single measurement may not reflect the patient’s average BP (Mancia et al., Journal of Hypertension, 2023).
Advantages of Digital Blood Pressure Monitors
Digital (oscillometric) BP monitors detect arterial pressure oscillations rather than relying solely on sound, making them less susceptible to the challenges posed by irregular rhythms. Key benefits include:
Multiple readings with automatic averaging: Research has shown that averaging three or more consecutive readings significantly improves accuracy in AF patients (Stergiou et al., Journal of Hypertension, 2017).
Reduced operator dependency: Results are standardized and do not rely on the skill of the person taking the measurement.
Advanced arrhythmia detection: Certain validated devices incorporate algorithms to detect AFib during BP measurement, helping identify irregular rhythms in routine monitoring (Verberk et al., Int J Cardiol, 2016).
Best Practices for People with AFib
Experts recommend the following for more reliable BP measurement:
Take three to five consecutive measurements, spaced 1–2 minutes apart, and average the results.
Use validated upper-arm monitors, which are less affected by arterial stiffness and positioning compared with wrist devices.
Standardize the measurement environment: rest for five minutes, maintain proper posture, and avoid caffeine or smoking beforehand (ESH Guidelines, 2023).
Why Joytech
Given these challenges, device manufacturers have developed solutions tailored for AFib patients. Joytech offers upper-arm BP monitors with AFib detection, enabling more reliable readings in patients with irregular rhythms.
Integrated ECG function: Certain models combine BP and single-channel ECG measurements in one device, ideal for capturing both hemodynamic and rhythm-related data.
Bluetooth® 5.0 connectivity & app integration: Users can record, review, and share BP and ECG data effortlessly.
Customization options: All devices can be tailored through OEM/ODM services to meet specific market requirements.
Regulatory compliance: Devices are CE MDR certified, providing professional assurance of safety and accuracy.
Contact Joytech Healthcare today to explore collaboration opportunities and bring these capabilities to your market.
