Home blood pressure monitoring in the management of hypertensive patients

Abstract

Around the world, home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) has steadily been gaining popularity among both patients and clinicians. It is internationally recognized that HBPM is a valuable tool in the management of hypertension with evidence suggesting that HBPM measurements may have a stronger predictive power for morbidity and mortality than traditional office blood pressure readings, and can be as reliable as ambulatory monitoring. HBPM is also helpful in the management of white-coat and masked hypertension. In order for HBPM to be valid and reliable however, patients need to be educated on proper monitoring technique and require validated, correctly fitted devices. It is important therefore for clinicians to be aware of the current guidelines and recommendations regarding the proper use of HBPM.