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. 1998 Sep;48(434):1585–1589.

A series of self-measurements by the patient is a reliable alternative to ambulatory blood pressure measurement.

M M Brueren 1, H J Schouten 1, P W de Leeuw 1, G A van Montfrans 1, J W van Ree 1
PMCID: PMC1313222  PMID: 9830184

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported overdiagnosis and overtreatment of hypertensive patients, especially in borderline hypertensives. AIM: To find a blood pressure measurement procedure that reduces the risk of misclassification to an acceptable level. METHOD: Comparative, prospective study over seven months of primary care patients with elevated initial blood pressures. Blood pressure measurements made by general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses, and patients were compared with ambulatory blood pressure measurements. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients completed the study. Mean differences (systolic blood pressure) between different measurement procedures and ambulatory measurement ranged from +10 mmHg (doctor) to -1 mmHg (patient), and (diastolic) from +4 mmHg (doctor) to -2 mmHg (patient). Standard deviations of mean differences ranged from 12 mmHg (doctor/systolic) to 10 mmHg (patient/systolic), and from 8 mmHg (doctor/diastolic) to 7 mmHg (patient/diastolic). CONCLUSION: Self-measurements by the patient appear to be a reliable alternative to ambulatory blood pressure measurement. In diagnosing and managing mild hypertension, we recommend the use of a valid self-measuring device.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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