Final answer:
Non-invasive blood pressure measurement may be less accurate due to factors like poor cuff fit, patient movement, irregular heart rates, environmental conditions, arterial stiffness, arrhythmias, white coat hypertension, and peripheral vascular obstructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-invasive blood pressure measurement can be less accurate in certain circumstances. Common factors affecting the accuracy of non-invasive blood pressure readings include poor cuff fit, patient movement, irregular heart rates, and external environmental conditions such as temperature. Automated equipment for measuring blood pressure typically involves the use of an inflatable cuff on the upper arm, at heart level, to detect blood flow and corresponding pressures, which are then transmitted to a manometer or digital display. However, arterial stiffness, arrhythmias, peripheral vascular obstructions, and other conditions might lead to less accurate readings. Additionally, white coat hypertension, where a patient experiences elevated blood pressure in a clinical setting due to anxiety, may also affect the readings. Patients can record their own blood pressure at home using a digital blood pressure monitor, which can provide valuable data to ensure accurate hypertension diagnosis.