[Home blood pressure measurement in general practice patients]

In 68 consecutive patients with mild hypertension, blood pressure was measured by general practitioners during visits to the clinic, by nurse and by the patients at home. Mean age was 50 years (SD: 11) for both genders and 60% were women. Blood pressure and heart rate were significantly higher when measured by physicians than by nurse and patient (p < 0.01). During the study period of six weeks a significant decrease in blood pressures was registered by both physicians and patients. The study demonstrates the feasibility of home blood pressure monitoring as a part of the practice to diagnose hypertension in general practice.