Feasibility of home blood pressure measurement in elderly individuals: cross-sectional analysis of a population-based sample.

BACKGROUND Home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) is recommended by hypertension guidelines, particularly in the elderly. However, feasibility of HBPM in this age group has not been fully established. Our objective was therefore to assess HBPM feasibility in elderly individuals of the general population. METHODS After minimal training, 1,814 individuals aged ≥ 73 years were asked to measure their blood pressure (BP) at home six times per day (three in the morning and three in the evening) during 3 days, with the validated device OMRON M6 (exam 1). Measures of BP were self-reported by the participants on a booklet. The same procedure was applied 1-year later (exam 2). HBPM was considered as successful when at least 12 measures of the 18 were performed. Participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire intended to assess difficulties met performing HBPM. RESULTS Rate of success for HBPM was 96% at exam 1 and 97% at exam 2. We analyzed pattern of individuals who failed HBPM examination and found that age >80, low education level, and non-autonomy were independently associated with an increased risk of HBPM failure. HBPM was considered nonrestrictive by 89% of participants and 97% declared that HBPM was simple to perform. CONCLUSIONS In this population-based sample of elderly, rate of success of HBPM was high and maintained at 1-year after minimal training. Moreover, HBPM acceptance was excellent. These results suggest that HBPM is feasible and can be largely diffused to the elderly of general population. However, particular care must be given to very old, nonautonomous, and low educated individuals.