The Self Blood Pressure Measurement by Hypertensive Patients: a Patient Survey

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to compare the usual self-checked blood pressure measuring methods by hypertensive patients with standardized methods. METHODS: From May to August 2002, we surveyed 137 hypertensive patients who performed self blood pressure measurements with a self-administered questionnaire. We defined 14 standard methods from the six most frequently recommended guidelines. We asked patients how often they calibrated their sphygmomanometer, and how they learned to measure blood pressure. Also, their upper arm circumferences were measured. RESULTS: The percentage of correct preparations for BP measurement was over 80%, but that of correct technique was low. For example, 'reading from the arm with higher BP by more than 10 mmHg' (4.4%), 'placing midline of the bladder over the arterial pulsation' (21.5%), and 'waiting 2 or more minutes between readings' (21.9%). Only 11.2% of the patients have ever had calibrated their sphygmomanometers. In 20.2% of hypertensive subjects, upper arm circumferences were greater than 30 cm which made blood pressure measurement with a 24 cm-sized bladder incorrect. CONCLUSION: As shown in previous studies, the methods of blood pressure measurement were incorrect in many aspects. Therefore, systematically educating hypertensive patients to measure blood pressure by correct methods and recommending to use a proper-sized cuff are essential.