Pressure for change: unresolved issues in blood pressure measurement.

The use of mercury is likely to be prohibited within a few years and clinicians have not yet seriously considered what sphygmomanometers they will use, nor is authoritative advice available on alternative instruments. Doubts also surround the thorny question of cuff size. Most blood pressures are taken in assessing cardiovascular health, and serial consulting room measurements may not be the best way of doing this. What is the role of continuous ambulatory monitoring in routine care? What is the place of home monitoring by patients, now that accurate and easy-to-use electronic sphygmomanometers are available?