초록
Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate the number of measurements and visits for blood pressure measurement. We also analyzed the change of blood pressure based on the measurement method and measurement interval. Methods : Data of three clinical trials evaluating the effect of acupuncture, moxibustion, and qigong for pre and mild essential hypertension were used. Blood pressure was measured 3 times each visit with 1 or 5 minutes interval, and it was checked until $3^{rd}$ visit. Two trials used sphygmomanometer and another one trial used automatic device for blood pressure measurement. Results : The mean difference between $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$, and $2^{nd}$ and $3^{rd}$ measurement were significant in systolic (p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001). However, in automated measurement or measuring with 1 minute interval, the difference between $2^{nd}$ and $3^{rd}$ was not significant. The mean of $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ measurements was also significantly different from the mean of all three measurements in both systolic (p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001). While the difference between each visit was not significant in diastolic blood pressure, the systolic blood pressure difference was significant between $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ visit in automated and manual measurement. Conclusion : The mean of two measurements and three measurements were significantly different. The change of blood pressure was different according to the method and interval of blood pressure measurement.
