Abstract

Background: Worldwide, hypertension (HTN) is a serious public health issue. Even with the wide range of efficient drugs available, controlling high blood pressure (BP) to the best of one’s ability is still a difficult endeavor. The purpose of this research is to thoroughly examine and assess the usefulness, precision, and consistency of BP readings in several contexts for the treatment of HTN.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Prince Mohammed Medical City in the Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia between October 2022 and September 2023. The study comprised 203 participants with a diagnosis of HTN who were receiving treatment. The participants were given initially clinical assessments and instructed to independently measure their BP at home at different intervals throughout the day and evening. The process involves meticulously recording each reading.
Results: The study involved 203 participants with a mean age of 55 years. Notably, a statistically significant discrepancy between home BP readings and clinic measurements was observed [Clinic systolic blood pressure (SBP): M = 135, standard deviation (SD) = 1.09; Home SBP (Day & Evening): M = 121] and [Clinic diastolic blood pressure (DBP): M = 76, SD = 0.75; Home DBP (Day & Evening): M = 70] respectively. Additionally, a statistically significant positive correlation between clinic SBP and home DBP was (r = 0.251, p < 0.001) identified.
Conclusion: Compared to measures taken in a clinic, this study offers insightful information about the usefulness and effectiveness of BP monitoring in various contexts. The observed variations underscore the potential benefits of home monitoring in improving BP management tactics and treatment guidance. This strategy has the potential to greatly increase the overall efficacy of treatment options by raising patient knowledge and encouraging active engagement in their management.

Key words: Hypertension, home blood pressure, clinic blood pressure, home monitoring, automated sphygmomanometer