6
Diagnosis
Table 6. Procedures for Use of HBPM
Patient training should occur under medical supervision, including:
Information about hypertension
Selection of equipment
Acknowledgment that individual BP readings may vary substantially
Interpretation of results
Devices:
Verify use of automated validated devices. Use of auscultatory devices (mercury,
aneroid, or other) is not generally useful for HBPM because patients rarely master the
technique required for measurement of BP with auscultatory devices.
Monitors with provision for storage of readings in memory are preferred.
Verify use of appropriate cuff size to fit the arm (Table 5).
Verify that le/right inter-arm differences are insignificant. If differences are
significant, instruct patient to measure BPs in the arm with higher readings.
Instructions on HBPM procedures:
Remain still:
• Avoid smoking, caffeinated beverages, or exercise within 30 min before BP
measurements.
• Ensure ≥5 min of quiet rest before BP measurements.
Sit correctly:
• Sit with back straight and supported (on a straight-backed dining chair, for
example, rather than a sofa).
• Sit with feet flat on the floor and legs uncrossed.
• Keep arm supported on a flat surface (such as a table), with the upper arm at heart
level.
• Bottom of the cuff should be placed directly above the antecubital fossa (bend of
the elbow).
Take multiple readings:
• Take at least 2 readings 1 min apart in morning before taking medications and in
evening before supper. Optimally, measure and record BP daily. Ideally, obtain
weekly BP readings beginning 2 weeks after a change in the treatment regimen and
during the week before a clinic visit.
Record all readings accurately:
• Monitors with built-in memory should be brought to all clinic appointments.
• BP should be based on an average of readings on ≥2 occasions for clinical decision
making.
