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LETTERS: Caroline L Kelham Self monitoring of blood pressure at home: Informed self regulation of drug treatment could be next step BMJ 2005; 330: 148-a [Full text]

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BP self monitoring

James R Seel   (15 January 2005)

BP self monitoring 15 January 2005
James R Seel, retired GP home NR34 7EL Send response to journal: Re: BP self monitoring	I have been hypertensive for over forty years and on medication for thirty. My BP is unstable and was thought to be due to a possible neuroendocrine tumour For long periods I have self monitored and recorded my BP, standardising conditions where applicable and with or without the approval of my physicians. I now use a wrist monitor, with a second one for occasional calibration checks. I take two readings at several minute intervals at breakfast time, while watching TV and record the results on a chart, noting current medication etc. The readings are extremely consistent, and can be used, at a later date, to compare medications. I have complete confidence in the procedure, which enables me,or my physician, to titrate the level of medication against the response. In contrast occasional readings at hospital or GP's surgery are wildly inaccurate (typical white coat syndrome), and in my own case, I believe that there is a therapeutic value. rayseel@doctors.org.uk Competing interests: None declared