Developing a Tool for Self-Blood Pressure Monitoring and Control at Home

Despite the availability of safe and effective treatments, hypertension diseases remain the leading cause of cardiovascular disease originating from combined genetic, environmental, and social determinants.Blood pressure monitoring and control to prevent and manage hypertension require systemeatic and sustained approach and engagement across communities over time.This study aimed to develop a how-to guidebook for self-blood pressure monitoring and control at home.A rapid review to map and synthesize current literature about preventive and control measures and activities for high blood pressure was conducted with 2 reviewers.Electronic databases such as PubMed, ProQuest and Google Scholar were used to retrieve eligible studies.Only systematic review and interventional studies published in English between 2015-2023 were considered.Out of 1356 retrieved studies, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria.A how-to guidebook was developed based on the results from a rapid review and Classification of Hypertension Based on Office Blood Pressure (BP) Measurement recommended by the International Society of Hypertension Global Hypertension Lines 2020.The findings of this review highlighted that Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol, not smoking, managing stress, and getting enough sleep are major categories of measures and activities that could play a role in the prevention and control of high blood pressure at home.Based on the findings of the review, a how-to guidebook was developed.further interventional study to test the effectiveness of a how-to guidebook in the prevention and control of blood pressure at home is needed.