L’hypertension is here most common chronic disease in France. One in 3 adults suffers from this pathology, and only half know about it. Without revealing symptoms, it is often diagnosed late. Usually when the doctor checks blood pressure during a consultation for another medical condition. But according to a study by the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine on March 3, 2022, the taking blood pressure at home would help in diagnosing hypertension.
Home blood pressure monitoring, an effective option
Blood pressure measurements taken regularly at home are more likely to provide accurate diagnoses of hypertension compared to those performed in the clinic. The researchers came to this conclusion after analyzing the records of 510 adults who visited one of the 12 Kaiser Permanente care centers between 2017 and 2019. Those participants who presented with high blood pressure risks were divided into 3 groups. In the first, blood pressure monitoring was carried out in the establishments of the group. For the second, the measurements were made at the House while the members of the 3ᵉ had to go to pharmacy.
In addition to these measures, each participant received a ambulatory blood pressure monitor (MAPA). This cuff connected to a machine must be worn at the top of the arm continuously for 24 hours. To take blood pressure, it inflates every 20-30 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes at night.
“Blood pressure varies a lot throughout the day – about 30 systolic points – and 1 or 2 measurements in the clinic may not reflect your average blood pressure,” explained lead study author Beverly B. Green. “Home blood pressure tracking allows you to collect many more readings and average them out,” she clarifies.
the home hypertension control also seems very reliable. Analysis of the data collected shows that the blood pressure measurements taken at home were comparable with those of the MAPA. Those carried out in health centers were significantly lower for systolic measurement. This leads to missing more than half of people with hypertension, according to the researchers. Pharmacy readings were significantly higher than device readings. The phenomenon increases the probability of surdiagnostic d’hypertension.
These data lead the expert to conclude: “home blood pressure monitoring was a better option, as it was more accurate than clinical blood pressure readings”. Moreover, this method seems to be preferred by patients. “An additional study revealed that patients preferred to take their blood pressure at home“, confirme Beverly B. Green.
Blood pressure: how to take it well at home?
We’re talking abouthigh blood pressure when the systolic pressure is greater than 140 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) and/or greater than 90 mmHg for diastolic pressure. If theself-measurement of blood pressure proves to be effective, it is necessary to respect the “3″ rule :
- perform 3 measurements spaced one to two minutes apart, in the morning before breakfast and before taking medication;
- take 3 measurements spaced one to two minutes apart in the evening before going to bed;
- repeat these measurements daily for 3 days in a row.