Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and blood pressure self-measurement in the diagnosis and management of hypertension

Article Abstract:

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and self-measurement are of some clinical value in the management of hypertension. Ambulatory measurement allows a patient's blood pressure to be monitored during the course of daily activities. Self-measurement can also help overcome the effects of transient high blood pressure known as "white coat" or "office" hypertension. The risk with these two techniques are that they may not produce as reliable readings as those measured by a medical practitioner. Of the two techniques, ambulatory monitoring may be somewhat more reliable, but more conclusive research is needed in this area. These two techniques of blood pressure measurement may be most useful for evaluation of low-risk patients. Their usefulness in other cases needs further research.

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Automated ambulatory blood pressure and self-measured blood pressure monitoring devices: their role in the diagnosis and management of hypertension

Article Abstract:

Guidelines developed by the American College of Physicians indicate there is little conclusive evidence to warrant large-scale use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and self-measurement of blood pressure. Self-measurement of blood pressure should be encouraged but readings should not be relied upon as the only basis for determining treatment needs. Automated ambulatory monitoring systems might be most appropriate in the treatment of patients with specific problems and in the context of further research on the device's usefulness. Patients using these systems need to have explicit instructions on their use and the devices should also be checked regularly to ensure the accuracy of their measurements.

Standards, American College of Physicians

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Update in nephrology

Article Abstract:

Advances in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases in 1997 included research in hypertension, the prevention or delay of kidney failure, microalbuminuria screening, and electrolyte metabolism. Decreasing blood pressure with weight loss, reduced sodium and alcohol consumption, and increased calcium and potassium intake can be effective. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring can reduce the prescribing of antihypertensive drugs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can delay the progression of kidney disease. Urine specific gravity measurement may adequately detect microalbuminuria.

Health aspects, Research, Causes of, Complications and side effects, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Kidney diseases, Hyponatremia, Chronic kidney failure, Kidney stones, Adrenergic beta agonists, Adrenergic beta-agonists, Albuminuria

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