As we know, self-measurement brings benefits for the health of patients. But taking blood pressure at home is also profitable for the health system, according to a study published recently in the journal of the American Heart Association.
The survey was conducted among two American insurance companies. For people over 65 or with high blood pressure, have a blood pressure monitorwould save insurance companies money. For every dollar invested by patients in the purchase of a blood pressure monitor, insurance companies would save between $ 0.85 and $ 3.75 (or 2.76 euros) this year and between $ 7.50 and 19.34 (or 14.24 euros) in ten years, reports the study taken up by Why Doctor. Results that should be of interest to health insurance in France.
The benefits of self-measurement
The blood pressure can show a big difference between the reading taken by the doctor in his office and the self-assessed one at home. In some, the“white coat” effect(fear of the doctor) can cause blood pressure to rise due to anxiety. It is also the reverse phenomenon which can occur: figures of the doctor can hide hypertension disguised in the patient. For these reasons, doctors encourage people at risk to use a blood pressure monitor to manage their blood pressure themselves.
Controlling high blood pressure is an effective way to prevent the onset of stroke, dementia or even heart failure. In France, arterial hypertension concerns 10 to 15% of the population.
And you, have you ever used a blood pressure monitor? Have your say on the forum.