Self-Management of Hypertension Is Effective in High-Risk Patients

Self-management of hypertension is effective, but most studies have included few patients at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease. This primary care U.K. study involved 555 hypertensive patients (blood pressure [BP], >130/80 mm Hg) who had diabetes, coronary disease, cerebrovascular disease, or kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate, 30–59 mL/minute/1.73 m²). Patients with dementia, postural hypotension, or terminal illnesses and those who took >3 antihypertensive medications or were pregnant were excluded.

Patients were randomized to a self-management and self-monitoring protocol or to usual care. Intervention patients were trained during two or three sessions to take their BPs and to follow a predetermined plan in making decisions…