Managing blood pressure is key in a patient population where diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease are prevalent. Patients with hypertension need to be encouraged to perform home self-monitoring. Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) in combination with medication therapy and an exercise program have proven to reduce systolic blood pressure. In a recent CDC grant program, Temple primary care physicians who had patients enrolled in the program saw on average a 10-point drop in systolic blood pressure.
- Patients need to be encouraged to take their blood pressure at the same time each day and record their BP in a daily log.
- Checking in regularly with your patients is important to keep them on track. Encouraging an exercise routine and good nutrition also supports better outcomes.
- Remind patients to focus on foods that are high in fiber and low in sodium, calories, and fat. Suggest they limit serving sizes and the amount of alcohol they drink.
Remember, blood pressure control is a HEDIS measure and is measured by the last recorded blood pressure of the year. Help your patients and your quality scores by encouraging SMBP.