Blood Pressure Monitoring Programs

Utilizing a Blood Pressure Monitoring (BPM) program can help you accurately diagnose hypertension, establish the most effective treatment, and provide your patient with the tools needed to control their blood pressure. 

Blood pressure monitoring is used to collect an individual’s blood pressure at different times and places throughout their day. Because a person’s blood pressure changes during the day it is important to look at more than a single blood pressure reading in order to accurately determine their risk for hypertension. A person practicing blood pressure monitoring (BPM) records their blood pressure readings then shares those readings with their primary care provider in order to assist their provider in creating a care plan for their specific health needs. 

Blood Pressure Monitoring Programs

BPM programs are used to help accurately diagnose hypertension, empower patients to learn about their blood pressure and aid patients in achieving blood pressure control. They provide an accurate depiction of what a patient’s blood pressure readings are over time, so that you can develop the most effective treatment. Because they provide an accurate depiction, BPM programs can help patients understand their blood pressure readings, ultimately empowering them to achieve blood pressure control and reduce any additional risks.

Clinical Support

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BPM programs should always be linked back to clinical support, such as individual counseling sessions or educational tools.  The partnering of BPM with clinical backing has been shown to enhance the quality and accessibility of care for people with high blood pressure while improving overall blood pressure control. 

Accessibility is increased because individuals are able to receive this clinical support outside of a traditional healthcare facility, which increases convenience and removes barriers! Clinical backing also provides accountability and follow-up for individuals who demonstrate dangerously high levels of blood pressure to ensure they are getting the care they need to prevent heart attack or stroke.

Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Programs

Self-Measured Blood Pressure monitoring (SMBP) programs is a collaborative effort between the patient and the primary healthcare provider. Patients participating in a self-measured blood pressure monitoring program take blood pressure readings at home using an automatic blood pressure cuff. The patient records all blood pressure readings. The recorded blood pressure readings are then reported back to the healthcare provider so that together they can create a tailored treatment plan based on the readings. 

The American Heart Association, in partnership with the American Medical Association, developed the Target:BP Program to help healthcare organizations and care teams implement and track SMBP for their patients. To find out how your healthcare organization can implement Target:BP and decrease uncontrolled hypertension in your community, click here!

Community-Based Blood Pressure Monitoring Programs

Community-based blood pressure monitoring (BPM) programs identify members of your community that may not regularly seek medical care but are experiencing high blood pressure. Community-based programs can connect at-risk residents to a medical home and the care they need.