Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies
Published on: February 3, 2023
Changes in Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Use in 14 States From 2019 to 2021: Impact of the COVID-19
Jing Fang1, Wen Zhou1, Donald K Hayes1
1Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Insights
Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) use remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, home use and electronic sharing of blood pressure readings among SMBP users significantly increased, highlighting opportunities for improved hypertension management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Public Health Surveillance
- Digital Health
Background:
- Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) is crucial for effective hypertension management.
- The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMBP utilization patterns was previously undescribed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in SMBP use among adults with hypertension before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To assess trends in SMBP recommendations, home use, and electronic data sharing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2019 and 2021.
- Included adults with hypertension (n=68,820) from 14 states with SMBP modules.
- Assessed SMBP recommendations, overall use, home use, and electronic BP reading sharing.
Main Results:
- Overall SMBP use and healthcare provider recommendations for SMBP showed no significant change between 2019 and 2021.
- Among SMBP users, home use increased from 87.7% to 93.5% (P<0.001).
- Electronic sharing of BP readings with healthcare professionals increased from 8.6% to 13.1% (P<0.001), though overall rates remained low.
Conclusions:
- SMBP adoption and provider recommendations were stable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Increased home use and electronic data sharing among SMBP users present opportunities for enhanced hypertension care.
- Leveraging virtual connections is key for future hypertension management strategies.
Background:
Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) is an important out-of-office resource that is effective in improving hypertension control. Changes in SMBP use during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not been described previously.
Methods:
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were used to quantify changes in SMBP use between 2019 (prior COVID-19 pandemic) and 2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). Fourteen states administered the SMBP module in both years. All data were self-reported from adults who participated in the BRFSS survey. We assessed the receipt of SMBP recommendations from healthcare professionals and actual use of SMBP among those with hypertension (n = 68,820). Among those who used SMBP, we assessed SMBP use at home and sharing BP readings electronically with healthcare professionals.
Results:
Among adults with hypertension, there was no significant changes between 2019 and 2021 in those reporting SMBP use (57.0% vs. 55.7%) or receiving recommendations from healthcare professionals to use SMBP (66.4% vs. 66.8%). However, among those who used SMBP, there were significant increases in use at home (87.7% vs. 93.5%) and sharing BP readings electronically (8.6% vs. 13.1%) from 2019 to 2021. Differences were noted by demographic characteristics and residence state.
Conclusions:
Receiving a recommendation from the healthcare provider to use SMBP and actual use did not differ before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, among those who used SMBP, home use and sharing BP readings electronically with healthcare professional increased significantly, although overall sharing remained low (13.1%). Maximizing advances in virtual connections between clinical and community settings should be leveraged for improved hypertension management.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure
01:28Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
01:21Sites for measruring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement