The Health and Life device (HL888HA): accuracy assessment in an adult population according to the British Hypertension Society protocol

OBJECTIVE: Over the last two decades, concerns over mercury toxicity have given rise to the continuous release of new and improved automated blood pressure measurement devices as a replacement for the mercury sphygmomanometer. Out-of-office blood pressure monitoring has been shown to have various advantages, including a reduced white-coat effect and observer error, as well as better prediction of cardiovascular risk/complications. We assessed the accuracy of the Health and Life device (HL888HA) (Health and Life Co. Ltd., Taipei, Taiwan) in an adult population according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. METHODS: Local ethics committee approval was obtained and participants were recruited from a large teaching hospital. Nine blood pressure measurements were taken from each participant, alternating between a mercury sphygmomanometer and the test device. Data from 85 participants who fulfilled the British Hypertension Society criteria were analysed according to the protocol guidelines. RESULTS: The device achieved the highest possible grade (A/A) according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. The mean difference and SD of 0.5 (7.3) mmHg for systolic and -2.1 (7.8) mmHg for diastolic pressure, which complies with the standard of the American Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. CONCLUSION: The Health and Life device (HL888HA) can be recommended for use in an adult population according to the criteria of the British Hypertension Society protocol.