Loading...
Although patients often use home blood pressure (BP) monitors, hypertension treatment decisions generally are based on BP measurements obtained in our offices. One goal of this study was to determine the optimal setting for, and optimal number of, BP measurements for clinical decision making. Researchers compared systolic BP measurements obtained repeatedly during 18 months for 444 patients (92% men) at a Veterans Affairs medical center; readings were obtained concurrently in three ways: during routine outpatient clinic visits, from electronic home monitors, and as part of a research protocol (obtained by research staff) at 6-month intervals. Systolic BP was deemed controlled if clinic or research-based readings were <140 mm Hg and if home-…