Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) has taken on added significance since the COVID-19 pandemic changed so many of our daily routines.

Hypertension – high blood pressure – affects nearly half of the U.S. population. High blood pressure can lead to severe health complications and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and even may result in death under normal circumstances.

Complicating matters is that recent data revealed a higher risk of COVID-19 infections and complications in people with high blood pressure. Analysis showed that high blood pressure is a commonly shared pre-existing condition among those hospitalized early in the pandemic as it affected between 30% and 50% of the patients.

Another study noted that 48% of adults stated they or someone in their household had rescheduled or passed up medical appointments due to concerns over the coronavirus.

These scenarios have made SMBP an important tool in helping patients control their blood pressure from home.

SMBP monitoring enables patients to measure their blood pressure at home twice daily for seven days, and then provide that information to their physician. This helps physicians and other health care providers assist patients with hypertension as they try to achieve and maintain their BP goals.

SMBP devices may be purchased by individuals or in some cases, these devices may be loaned out. It’s best to discuss your scenario with your physician.

The American Heart Association and American Medical Association want to educate people on the importance of self-measured blood pressure monitoring, and so do we at CVMG.