Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

Method and target group

In Sweden, an estimated 1.8 million people have hypertension (high blood pressure). This corresponds to 27% of the adult population. Hypertension is treated through drugs and lifestyle modifications aimed at reducing the incidence of primarily stroke, but also myocardial infarction.

In recent years it has become more common for patients to measure their own blood pressure at home. Studies have shown that home blood pressure monitoring can reduce or eliminate the so-called white coat effect in blood pressure measurement, which is one reason why blood pressure is often lower when measured at home than when measured in a clinical setting. Studies have also shown that home blood pressure monitoring more accurately predicts which individuals will be affected by future cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, compared to traditional follow-up treatment, antihypertensive treatment based on values measured via home blood pressure monitoring can reduce the use of medication.

Another advantage of home blood pressure monitoring is that patients do not need to visit a clinic each time their blood pressure is measured, which results in savings for patients and providers alike. Home blood pressure monitoring enables more measurements, thereby acquiring more reliable values to better manage treatment over time. In addition, greater participation and awareness regarding care and treatment has a positive effect on medical outcomes and patients’ quality of life.

Primary questions

This assessment aims to compare home blood pressure monitoring with traditional blood pressure monitoring at a healthcare facility. Patients treated for hypertension comprise the study population. Outcome measures to be studied include cardiovascular disease, compliance with treatment, and quality of life. The review is not intended to study the diagnostic accuracy of the various home blood pressure monitoring devices available on the market.