Better BP Measurement for Improved Patient Outcomes

Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects many Americans and is known as the “silent killer” because symptoms are not always present. Therefore, the patient and their healthcare provider must work together to screen for hypertension at annual physical examinations with accurate and consistent blood pressure measurements. When uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to major health problems that can cause the patient to suffer heart attack, heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, chronic heart disease or any combination of these problems. It is vital for patient safety and well-being that blood pressure measurements are accurate to avoid either missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. This learning activity will focus on hypertension, the importance of accurate and standardized blood pressure measurement with proper patient positioning and best practice integration of blood pressure measurement in the clinical setting.