Hypertension diagnosis and monitoring

We have an extensive workstream dedicated to improving the diagnosis of hypertension and monitoring of patients with hypertension. 

This includes the following projects:

• A Systematic review of the efficacy of different methods of diagnosis of hypertension. This study has examined diagnosis of hypertension in adults of all ages using home and/or clinic blood pressure measurement compared with those made using ambulatory monitoring that clearly defined thresholds to diagnose hypertension. Ambulatory monitoring before the start of lifelong drug treatment might lead to more appropriate targeting of treatment, particularly around the diagnostic threshold.
• How accurate are BP measuring devices, and how long does their accuracy last when they are in use?
• Comparison of decision strategies for the diagnosis of blood pressure in primary care and piloting of pragmatic RCT comparing different strategies. This project aims to determine the optimum decision strategy to diagnose hypertension promptly and accurately in primary care, will commence once Projects 2.1 and 2.2 have been completed.  This project is currently being scoped out in the light of the modelling and systematic review results.
• The accuracy and performance of diagnosing hypertension using Bluetooth mobile and remote wireless technology in GP practices.