Hi. can someone explain the "auscultatory gap" with sphygmomanometer instruments? i'm training to be a pa, and am taking my own bp. electronic device tends to run higher than manual readings, but i do not know if manual readings are correct either?

Auscultatory gap: Auscultatory gap is when you cannot hear the Korotkoff sounds at times during blood pressure measurement. Typically, the cause is arterial stiffness. This can lead to incorrect blood pressure measurement. The gold standard is a manual brachial blood pressure. NEVER trust an electric device over a good quality manual brachial BP or you will get burned. Spend time learning to do this correctly.