The Importance of Self-Measured Blood Pressure

There are many things that can affect one’s blood pressure, including psychiatric medications, stress and anxiety, and diet. In a era — and future — where more care is and will be delivered virtually, it becomes more and more important to have an accurate BP device at home. Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) is a vital tool to help monitor a patient’s health and to help them take appropriate clinical action if necessary. However, blood pressure can be a difficult thing to measure accurately when you don’t have all the medical equipment of a doctor’s office. Inaccurate BP measuring devices can even get in the way of treatment. The US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing (opens in a new window) lists which of the countless BP measurement devices have been validated for clinical accuracy in the U.S. Read more of the American Medical Association’s advice here (opens in a new window).