Blood pressure analysis among pregnant women for an early diagnosis of gestational hypertensive syndrome

Abstract

The objective was to compare the blood pressure (BP) levels of pregnant women, measured in a preparation room of a Family Health Center and verified in the consultation room following the Brazilian Guidelines for Hypertension. This comparative and quantitative study was performed with 94 pregnant women. Data collection was conducted between September and November of 2011 in two phases: the first consisted of collecting BP measurements by the preparation room staff, and observing the technique used for the measurement. The second phase occurred in the consultation room, when the BP was measured once again, following the 6^th Brazilian Guidelines for Hypertension. Differences were observed in 87% of the measurements, ranging from - 38 to 28mmHg for systolic BP and – from 26 to 20mmHg for diastolic BP. It is concluded that a significant difference exists between the BP measurements taken in the preparation room and those taken in the consultation room.

Descriptors: Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Arterial Pressure; Prenatal Care; Primary Health Care; Nursing Care.