Reliability of Self-reported Blood Pressure Measurements

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
AS MANY as 50 million adult Americans have hypertension.1 In 73% of patients receiving treatment for high blood pressure (BP), the BP is not controlled (BP ≥140/90 mm Hg), and 46% are still not being treated.2 Uncontrolled and untreated high BP increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Home BP monitoring has been shown to improve BP control3 and thereby reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients who perform self-monitoring.4 To improve clinical outcomes, patient self-monitoring programs are now commonly incorporated into clinical practice to assist primary care physicians in treating their patients. These programs help patients to measure and control their own disease state. Patient-collected data can be incorporated into medical management, as evidenced by sliding-scale insulin regimens for patients with diabetes,5 adjusted loop diuretic dosing in patients with congestive heart failure,6 and titrated corticosteroid use for patients with asthma.7,8