Tracking BP at home yields better results

In a study of patients with high blood pressure, those who used at-home bloodpressure monitors had a 17% decrease in systolic blood pressure (the top number) and a 7-point drop in diastolic BP (the bottom number). Overall, 79% of those tracking their pressure at home were able to get their numbers within a normal range. The authors suggest looking at data from both home and doctor’s measurements— having both numbers makes it easier to assess progress and adjust treatment if needed. The average home monitoring kit used in the study costs $38 and reduced annual doctors’ office visits by 1.2 visits per person.