[Application of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in Hypertension Management]

Hypertension is a common disease both globally and in Taiwan that poses significant health risks. According to Taiwan's Health Promotion Administration, abnormal blood pressure is prevalent in up to 80% of the adult population aged 65 and above. Hypertension is associated with serious health issues such as cerebrovascular diseases, renal failure, and cardiovascular diseases, and ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in Taiwan. The diagnostic criteria for hypertension have been lowered to 130/80 mmHg. Regular and continuous blood pressure monitoring is crucial in hypertension management. Studies have demonstrated that home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) offers significant advantages, providing accurate and long-term data on blood pressure variations, avoiding the white-coat effect, and showing a stronger correlation with cardiovascular events. HBPM not only aids in the detection and management of hypertension but also enhances patient medication adherence. Diagnosing and long-term monitoring for hypertension are recommended in 2022 Taiwan Hypertension Treatment Guidelines. The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolution of hypertension diagnostic criteria and the importance of HBPM in hypertension management, emphasizing how HBPM should be applied in diagnosis and treatment. Also, the procedures for HBPM are introduced to help healthcare professionals acquire accurate nursing guidance information. The authors hope these help nursing colleagues better understand the advantages of HBPM in hypertension management and to increase their competence in teaching patients to self-monitor their blood pressure at home to improve the overall health management of hypertensive patients through HBPM.