Following the rules of the correct blood pressure measurement by hypertensive patients in the practice of Self-Blood Pressure Monitoring (SBPM)

Abstract

Background An appropriate blood pressure (BP) measurement technique is crucial in obtaining reliable results in Self-Blood Pressure Monitoring (SBPM). The aim of the study was to assess to what extent hypertensive patients who perform SBPM know and follow the rules of the correct blood pressure measurement.
Material and methods A random group of 201 hypertensive individuals (100 primary care patients and 101 high reference ambulatory patients, aged 57.80 ± 12.51 years, 53.7% female) who regularly perform SBPM have undergone an inquiry study based on the European Society of Hypertension 2005 and 2003 recommendations for blood pressure (BP) measurement.
Results As many as 20.9% respondents use wrist devices. Among patients using sphygmomanometers with arm cuff system (79.1% of all) only 45.3% check if the cuff size matches their arm circumference. In the hour preceding BP measurement 26.3% of the studied individuals happen to eat an abundant meal, 22.9% perform strenuous exercise, 18.9% drink coffee, 3.5% consume alcohol. Fiveminute resting before taking BP is not practiced by 20.4% of the enquired. One in three patients takes their BP soon after antihypertensive drug intake. Few responders identify bladder distension, fever, too high or too low temperature of the surrounding (11.4%-22.9%) with the impact on the blood pressure. High reference patients and higher educated ones are slightly better informed on the factors increasing BP. Hypertension therapy duration did not influence the knowledge of the rules of correctly performed SBPM.
Conclusions Sphygmomanometer selection for SBPM is often inappropriate and correct cuff size matching neglected. Patients’ knowledge about the rules of proper BP measurement is incomplete.