Table 2: Limitations,
advantages and instructions for correct use of home blood pressure monitoring.
Home blood pressure monitoring |
||
Advantages |
Limitations |
Instructions
for correct use |
-
includes patient in the treatment process; -
may be used if ABPM is unavailable, not tolerated or
refused; -
more reliable than office BP values; -
more measurements, than in the office; -
may have better predictive value for cardiovascular
morbidity and mortality than office measurements; |
-
patient may take the measurements incorrectly; -
patient may not follow instructions for correct use; -
patient may forget about measurements; -
patients may use invalidated devices; |
-
at least 5 minutes rest before measurement; -
at least 2 measurements each time; -
preferably 2 measurements daily before drug administration; -
at least 4 days, preferably for a week; -
discard measurements taken on the 1st day; -
calculate the average from the readings left; -
physicians may ask the patient to bring the device to the
office and control correct use of the device; |
ABPM: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring; BP: Blood pressure