Increasingly, a more comprehensive approach to blood pressure measurement is being recommended by leading hypertension specialists and respected medical societies as a more accurate and reliable way to improve hypertension diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

 

 

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When a patient visits their physician, blood pressure is measured by either the doctor or a nurse. Patients have come to accept this as a routine step and seemingly necessary component of any medical office visit.  However, few realize the risks that come with the typical doctor’s office blood pressure measurement.

Concerns with a singular in-office blood pressure measurement

Recent studies have unearthed considerable concerns regarding a singular blood pressure measurement taken in the doctor’s office. More and more studies are pointing to the increasing possibility that in many cases these quick in-office BP measurements fail to accurately assess your true blood pressure. The reason for measurement inaccuracy may include:     

 

• Terminal digit preference
• Observer bias
• Incorrect measurement technique
• Blood pressure fluctuations
• White-coat hypertension
• Masked hypertension

Leading hypertension specialists in the U.S. and abroad are well aware of the dangers of relying on a single doctor’s office measurement to evaluate, diagnosis, and treat hypertension.  Instead, they are now recommending a more comprehensive approach to patient blood pressure measurement.  This includes making a diagnosis and treatment decision based on a combination of blood pressure measurements taking during office visits as well as outside the doctor’s office.

Adopting new recommendations proves difficult

Unfortunately, adopting such recommendations has proven difficult.  In addition to the increasing number of measurements required to make a diagnosis, other factors compound the complexity of integrating multiple measurement protocols into daily practice.

Physicians have also expressed concerns with the reliability and validity of data provided by patients using their own home blood pressure measurement devices.  Many consumers purchase devices that are either without validation or are uncalibrated, producing inaccurate and untrustworthy blood pressure data that is of little value to physicians.  Furthermore, physicians have expressed concern with patients general lack of knowledge with regards proper blood pressure measurement technique, as well as concern with patients’ preoccupation with blood pressure and possibility of providing falsified readings.  These concerns are both numerous and valid.

Better patient outcomes rely on accurate blood pressure measurements

Nevertheless, studies are increasingly pointing to the dangers of diagnosis and treatment assessment made on single measurements taken in the physician’s office.  As more individuals become pre-hypertensive or hypertensive and as patients work to manage their blood pressure, accurate diagnosis of a patient's true blood pressure will be critical in forming accurate treatment decisions.  This will ultimately influence patient outcomes and long-term health management.