What were we asked to look at?

We have been asked to make recommendations to NHS Scotland on the use of home blood pressure monitoring in people with suspected or confirmed hypertension, taking into account clinical effectiveness, safety, cost effectiveness and patient experiences.

Why is this important?

Deaths due to cardiovascular disease remain one of the greatest contributors to premature mortality in Scotland. Many of the risk factors that lead to premature mortality are modifiable and the risk factor most likely to contribute to premature death is hypertension. Hypertension is the biggest remediable cause of stroke and myocardial infarction. It is also a major contributor to renal failure and dementia and the second commonest reason for attending General Practice in Scotland. Around 30% of adults in Scotland have hypertension. The number is set to increase as the population ages. Home BP monitoring has the potential to help optimise blood pressure control and in turn have a positive impact on reducing premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Referred by

Scottish Government