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Mean arterial pressure (MAP): Defined as the average arterial pressure during a single cardiac
cycle. Oscillometric devices automatically measure the MAP and calculate the systolic and
diastolic pressure from there. For calculating the MAP from systolic and diastolic BP the formula
is as follows:
DP = diastolic pressure
SP = systolic pressure
Pulse Pressure (PP): Calculated with the formula:
SP = systolic pressure
DP = diastolic pressure
PP is a measure of the stiffness of the aorta and large arteries. Increased stiffness leads to an
increase in PP through a reduction in arterial compliance and effects on wave reflection [11] PP
has been recognized as an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk in a hypertensive [12] and
general population [13].
White coat window: The maximum reading in the first hour of ambulatory BP measurement. As
in this first hour the patient normally is in or has just left the hospital or GP's practice, the BP
values largely reflect the office BP measurement. The white coat window has proven its clinical
value for detection of the white coat effect and/or white coat hypertension [14].
Diary: Highly recommended to any patient who undergoes 24h ambulatory BP measurement.
The actual awake and asleep periods should be based on this diary. With the diary deviating BP
values could be explained (i.e. patient has just had his meal, held a siesta, was smoking or was
watching a football match) and the time of (antihypertensive) drug intake should be registered,
which allows verification of the effectiveness of the drug. For the latter, the WatchBP O3 device
is equipped with a button that should be pressed by the patient directly after antihypertensive
drug intake.
1
MAP ≈ DP +
/
(SP-DP)
3
PP=SP-DP
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