Effects of home blood pressure measurement on long-term BP control

This research reports level of blood pressure control and ability to maintain newly discovered hypertensives in a municipal hospital setting by use of family- and self-monitored home blood pressure units. Three hundred ninety-six patients were randomized into family- and self-monitored blood pressure groups and a control group. Findings indicate that the use of either self- or family-read cuffs is effective in the first six months of treatment in lowering blood pressures. The data are suggestive of a beneficial effect of the use of cuffs for up to 18 months; however, with additional time in the study, no differences in the level of blood pressure control could be demonstrated between groups. The use of family-monitored blood pressure cuffs produces a lower drop-out rate than does the use of no cuff. The effect on drop outs is substantial for the first year of treatment, but beyond 12 months, the family-read cuff is also more effective than no cuff in reducing drop outs.