Non-invasive estimates of central systolic blood pressure: Comparison of the Centron cBP301 and SphygmoCor devices

Background: Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) may be more predictive of cardiovascular events than brachial BP. Therefore, non-invasive methods of determining central BP, which are suitable for routine clinical use, are required. The aim of this study was to compare estimates of cSBP provided by the Centron cBP301 with those obtained with the widely used SphygmoCor system. Methods: In 60 subjects (30 females), age range 22-90 years, brachial BP was measured using the Centron device and then cSBP estimated using the Centron, and then SphygmoCor. In a subset of 16 subjects (8 females), measurements were repeated at rest and following the administration of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Results: There was a strong correlation (r = 0.98; P < 0.001) between the estimates of cSBP obtained with each device. There was also good agreement between devices, with a mean difference (±SD) of 0.2 ± 3.5 mmHg (P = 0.5). Similarly, the devices were highly correlated and in good agreement following the administration of GTN, with the mean difference in cSBP ranging from 0.5 ± 3.9 mmHg to 2.3 ± 3.7 mmHg, across the measurement period. Conclusion: The Centron cBP301 and SphygmoCor devices produce similar estimates of cSBP, both at rest and in response to a pharmacological challenge. The Centron device is potentially suitable for routine clinical monitoring of central BP.