- The results of self-measurements of blood pressure predict the risk of developing cardiovascular disease better than those of blood pressure measurements taken at the GP surgery or hospital.

- In spite of the increasing availability of devices for home measurement, exactly how, by whom, with what and when, blood pressure should be measured at home remains unclear.

- Self-measurement is to be recommended as a supplement to conventional blood pressure measurement, as, in this way, the white-coat effect and masked hypertension can be recognized.

- Self-measurement is only useful if it is carried using a validated, automatic, sphygmomanometer and measured in the correct way. It is essential that the patient be clearly instructed on how to do this.

- A limit for home measurement of 135/85 mmHg should be adhered to.

- When blood pressure measurements taken at home lead to a different conclusion than those taken at hospital or GP surgery (and if there is no white-coat or masked hypertension), it is recommended that the procedure be repeated.

- If after this, there is still a discrepancy between the results of these two methods of blood pressure measurement, ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure measurement will perhaps provide the definitive answer to the ‘real’ level of the patient’s blood pressure.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2008;152:546-9