Improving blood pressure control in hypertensive hemodialysis patients

Hypertension is very prevalent among patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to determine if home blood pressure (BP) monitoring could improve BP control in a sample of 34 outpatient hemodialysis patients. Seventeen participants were randomized to a home BP monitor intervention (HBPM) plus usual care group and the other 17 participants were randomized to usual care only. Average weekly BPs and fluid gains were monitored for both groups over 12 weeks. The results indicated that HBPM significantly lowered SBP (p = .018) in the HBPM group compared to the usual care group. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of DBP or fluid gains. These findings indicate that HBPM could help improve BP control in the hemodialysis population. Nephrology nurses can be instrumental in helping hemodialysis patients monitor their BP and providing education on interventions that may improve BP control.