Less drugs and good control with central measurements

This study compared two blood pressure measurement techniques in order to determine which of the two can better guide hypertension management.   

Hypertension (HTN or high blood pressure) often requires the use of medications (antihypertensive drugs) to maintain normal blood pressure values. Management of hypertension also requires constant blood pressure measurements to ensure proper control over the disease and determine whether any adjustment to treatment is needed.

Blood pressure measurements are normally performed at home, by the patient, using an automated device that measures the pressure by an external cuff placed around the arm. Blood pressure can also be measured by inserting a special wire directly into a central artery. This procedure is only performed in hospitals. Recent trials have suggested that central artery measurements are a more accurate predictor of disease control, and may reduce the amount of unnecessary antihypertensive medications being used.

286 patients with hypertension were included in this trial. 142 were assigned to standard care and 144 were assigned to central blood pressure measurements. All patients had their blood pressure measured, and treatment adjusted accordingly, every 3 months for a total of 1 year. Medication use and doses, quality of life and adverse effects on the heart were compared between the two groups.

Overall quality of life was similarly improved in both groups. No differences between the groups were observed concerning adverse side effects. Patients in the central blood pressure measurement group showed a significant decrease in medication doses throughout the year compared to the standard care group. On average, patients in the central measurement group reduced their dependency on antihypertensive drugs by 15.4%.

This trial concluded that central blood pressure measurements result in a significant reduction of antihypertensive drug doses used, while maintaining good control over blood pressure values.

This trial involved mainly patients with low risk, or uncomplicated, hypertension (meaning relatively healthy individuals). The effects of central blood pressure measurements on the management of high risk patients is yet to be determined.

Consult with your physician regarding the benefits of central pressure measurements in the management of hypertension.