Blood pressure dynamics during home blood pressure monitoring with a digital blood pressure coach-a prospective analysis of individual user data

Abstract

Introduction: Self-monitoring of blood pressure at home is a better predictor of prognosis and recommended in hypertension guidelines. However, the influence of baseline blood pressure category and measurement schedule on BP values during a period of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) are still poorly defined, particularly when used in conjunction with a digital application.

Methods: We analysed temporal BP changes and performed BP classification tracking in users with self-reported hypertension performing HBPM with a digital and interactive blood pressure coach.

Results: Of 3175 users who enrolled in HBPM, 74.1% completed the first measurement period. Overall, mean systolic BP dropped significantly after the first day, but stratification by BP category demonstrated that initial category influenced BP course. BP classification tracking revealed that time to reach final BP category was dependent on baseline category, with users in categories high normal and grade 1 hypertension requiring more days to decrease BP class volatility and to reach their definitive BP class. This was driven by an intense switching between directly neighbouring categories until the middle phase of the HBPM period, while more distant class switching occurred less often and only early on. Overall, >90% of users maintained their category by day 5. Omitting the first day from analysis lead to therapeutically relevant reclassification in 3.8% of users. Users who completed at least two HBPM periods (n = 864) showed a mean SBP/DBP decrease of 2.6/1.6 mmHg, which improved hypertension control from 55.6% to 68.1%.

Conclusion: The optimal length of HBPM period depends on BP category. HBPM with a digital coach is associated with a reduction in average BP and improvement in BP control.

Keywords: app; blood pressure; eHealth; home blood pressure monitoring; hypertension.