Which is the correct term for blood pressure measurements taken at home?

George S Stergiou1

  • 1Hypertension Center, Third University Department of Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece. gstergi@med.uoa.gr

Insights

Self-blood pressure measurements by patients or relatives show no difference compared to clinic readings. The setting, not the person measuring, influences lower home blood pressure readings.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Management
  • Medical Terminology

Background:

  • 'Self-blood pressure' and 'home blood pressure' describe patient measurements taken at home.
  • Home measurements may be performed by relatives, not solely by patients.
  • Evidence on self-measurement's effect on automated blood pressure devices is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of self-measurement versus measurement by others on blood pressure readings.
  • To determine if the person taking measurements affects blood pressure levels in clinic and home settings.
  • To clarify the appropriate terminology for home blood pressure monitoring.

Main Methods:

  • Review of studies comparing blood pressure measurements taken by physicians, patients, or relatives.
  • Analysis of data from automated electronic devices in clinic and home settings.
  • Inclusion of a randomized crossover trial on home blood pressure measurement.

Main Results:

  • Clinic blood pressure measurements showed no difference whether taken by physicians or patients.
  • Home blood pressure measurements showed no difference when taken by patients or their relatives.
  • Home blood pressure readings were consistently lower than clinic readings.

Conclusions:

  • Self-measurement does not significantly affect blood pressure levels in either clinic or home settings.
  • The lower level of home blood pressure is attributed to the measurement setting, not the measurer.
  • 'Home blood pressure' is a more accurate term than 'self blood pressure' for home measurements.

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