Getting blood pressure under control is a key step to good health. Many people only discover that they have hypertension when their blood pressure is measured in a doctor's office. But is this the best way to monitor this important risk factor for heart disease? According to a new study from Finland, measuring blood pressure at home may be far superior to having it done in the doctor's office. The investigators studied over 2,000 Finnish volunteers between the ages of 45 and 75. They were enrolled between 2000 and 2001 and followed for approximately seven years.
Home blood pressure readings were found to be a more accurate predictor of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths than office measurements. The investigators pointed out that more readings provided a better assessment and helped eliminate the so-called white-coat effect that many individuals experience when in the doctor's office. This may falsely elevate blood pressure and lead to unnecessary treatment.
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