skip to main content

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring — EECC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyHypertension & Preventive CardiologyHome Blood Pressure MonitoringEECC

A 70-year-old man with hypertension asks about home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM). How should HBPM be performed according to ESC guidelines?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Duplicate measurements morning and evening for at least 3 days (preferably 7 days), discarding the first day's readings; the average of remaining readings is used for diagnosis

The 2024 ESC Hypertension Guidelines recommend HBPM as follows: (1) use a validated, automated upper-arm oscillometric device; (2) take duplicate measurements (1-2 min apart) in the morning and evening; (3) measure for at least 3 consecutive days, ideally 7 days; (4) discard the first day's readings (white coat effect); (5) average the remaining readings. HBPM diagnostic threshold for hypertension: ≥135/85 mmHg. HBPM is preferred over office BP for long-term monitoring and treatment titration (Class I recommendation). It improves patient engagement, detects white coat and masked hypertension, and correlates better with target organ damage than office BP.

Reference: ESC (2024): Guidelines for the Management of Elevated Blood Pressure and Hypertension