Accurate blood pressure measurement is critical to properly identify and treat individuals with hypertension. In 2005, the Canadian Hypertension Education Program produced a revised algorithm to be used for the diagnosis of hypertension. Subsequent annual reviews of the literature have identified 2 major deficiencies in the current diagnostic process. First, auscultatory measurements performed in routine clinical settings have serious accuracy limitations that have not Hypertension affects an

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... timated 7.3 million Canadians 1,2 and is the most common modifiable risk factor for death or disability in the world. 3 If not identified and treated, hypertension will invariably lead to complications affecting numerous organ systems including the brain, heart, eyes, kidneys, and the peripheral vasculature. Control of hypertension in Canada has improved markedly in the past 15 years with a 5-fold increased rate of control observed, from 13.2% in 1992 to 64.6% in 2007. 4 However, one-third of the hypertensive population remains uncontrolled and 17% remain unaware that they have hypertension. Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement is essential to properly identify and treat individuals with hypertension. Office BP has been traditionally measured by nurses or doctors using auscultatory methods, with 4 to 5 visits required to