Home Blood Pressure Monitoring and Blood Pressure Control

Hypertension is a common problem in Canada with a prevalence of about 15%. The goal of hypertension therapy should be to maximize blood pressure control. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) devices are available and many patients are using them. The role that self-monitoring of blood pressure can play in optimizing blood pressure control is unclear. We hope to clarify the role of home blood pressure monitoring in the treatment of hypertension and explore how it may affect patient and physician behaviours related to blood pressure management. This study will compare a group of hypertensive patients who use HBPM with those who do not use these devices. The intervention (HBPM) group will measure their blood pressure at home a minimum of once weekly and will report these measurements to their family doctor at each visit. The control group will receive usual care as delivered by their family doctor. Outcomes of blood pressure control will be measured over a 12 month period. Outcomes will be determined primarily by 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and by reviewing data in patient's charts located in family physicians office. Fifty family physicians from the Kingston area have agreed to participate.