Patients who present to the ED usually have their BP measured as part of their routine triage assessment. BP measurements suggesting hypertension (≥140 systolic or ≥90 diastolic1) are a frequent incidental finding, unrelated to the patient’s presenting complaint, but require follow-up.2 Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, so its detection in ED may be an opportunity to initiate further investigations and management.3 Guidance produced by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that BP readings are conducted in a calm environment with the patient seated, using an appropriately sized cuff on an outstretched and supported arm. If the initial BP reading is elevated, a second reading is recommended, with a subsequent third reading performed if the second reading is substantially different from the first. The recorded BP is then the lower of the last two measurements.1

Limited availability of time and space at ED triage means that BP …