Those affected should monitor blood pressure themselves – Heilpraxis

Older adults should measure their blood pressure regularly

Just under half of all people who high blood pressure suffer or antihypertensive take, check theirs regularly blood pressure at home. Studies have already shown that a independent control helps reduce the risk for cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack as well as for cognitive impairments and reduce dementia.

researchers of University of Michigan (USA) found in a recent survey that only 48 percent of all hypertension sufferers surveyed between the ages of 50 and 80 independently check their blood pressure at home. The results of the survey were published in the renowned journal “JAMA Network Open” presented.

More education about blood pressure measurements needed

In addition, only 62 percent of those surveyed with high blood pressure have one Recommendation from a doctor get to monitor blood pressure at home. The probability that people will carry out self-monitoring of their blood pressure through medical advice increases by that three and a half times.

According to the working group, the results draw attention to the importance of researching the reasons why so many affected people do not carry out their own blood pressure checks and why too few doctors encourage their patients to do so.

Self-monitoring can improve health

According to the research group, if more older people independently checked their blood pressure, this could have a significant impact on life span as well as on the Heart and brain health of those affected have.

Reduce risk of cardiovascular events and dementia

Previous research has shown that regular home blood pressure monitoring can help to reduce risk of death as well as the likelihood of cardiovascular events such as stroke and Heart attack to lower.

In addition, the independent measurements help to reduce the risk of cognitive impairments and dementia diseases to mitigate.

Only half had a sphygmomanometer

1,247 people were interviewed for the study. All participants were either taking medication to control blood pressure and/or had a chronic condition that requires constant blood pressure monitoring such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or essential high blood pressure.

Despite the present illness, only 55 percent of those affected stated that they had a sphygmomanometer to own. Among those who had such a device in their home, there was a big difference in how often they checked their blood pressure.

Only around half of the people who had a measuring device informed their family doctor about the results of the self-monitoring. Some people even reported never using the meter.

Lower blood pressure through self-monitoring

But regular self-monitoring of blood pressure is worthwhile. Research data shows that regular self-monitoring is associated with lower blood pressure overall.

The researchers are in favor of doctors learning more about the Clarify the importance of self-monitoring for high blood pressure and patients should be regularly asked about the values ​​they have measured themselves. (vb)

Author and source information

This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.

Author:

Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek

Sources:

  • Mellanie V. Springer, Preeti Malani, Erica Solway, et al.: Prevalence and Frequency of Self-measured Blood Pressure Monitoring in US Adults Aged 50-80 Years; in: JAMA Network Open (2022), jamanetwork.com
  • Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan: More older adults should be checking blood pressure at home (veröffentlicht: 23.09.2022), labblog.uofmhealth.org

Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.

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