Is self-monitoring of blood pressure effective in managing hypertension?

This study investigated if self-monitoring of blood pressure effectively manages hypertension. They found that self-monitoring lowered blood pressure when combined with co-interventions.

Blood pressure management is essential for treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Self-monitoring of blood pressure can be useful for some patients, however this is not the case for all patients.

Numerous studies have investigated whether self-monitoring of blood pressure is an effective treatment strategy. It is not known what group of patients may benefit the most from this strategy.

This study analyzed data from published studies to identify which hypertensive patients benefit the most from self-monitoring of blood pressure.

This study included data from 15 clinical trials, including 6,300 patients. Blood pressure readings from the clinic and daily life (ambulatory blood pressure) in self-monitoring patients were compared.

Self-monitoring blood pressure did not reduce clinical blood pressure. Patients that underwent co-intervention, such as lifestyle counselling and medication titration (adjusting medication to suit patient symptoms), benefited most from self-monitoring. Patients with higher blood pressure and fewer anti-hypertensive medications also benefited greater. 

This study concluded that self-monitoring lowered blood pressure when combined with co-interventions.

This analysis was performed on studies with varying regimes and criteria. This variability may impact findings.

If you have any concerns regarding blood pressure management, please discuss with your doctor.