Because unrecognized hypertension may lead to cardiovascular disease and thus reduce life expectancy.
Hypertension is a common medical problem, affecting as many as 1 of 5 North American adults. It is easily
treatable but often clinically silent, at least in its initial phases. Only regular and accurate blood pressure
measurements can detect it early enough to initiate therapy. In addition, erroneous pressure overestimates
may label a normal person as hypertensive, with significant economic, medical, and psychologic
repercussions. Hence, correct and frequent ambulatory measurements are key in every physician’s
armamentarium.
Hypertension is a common medical problem, affecting as many as 1 of 5 North American adults. It is easily
treatable but often clinically silent, at least in its initial phases. Only regular and accurate blood pressure
measurements can detect it early enough to initiate therapy. In addition, erroneous pressure overestimates
may label a normal person as hypertensive, with significant economic, medical, and psychologic
repercussions. Hence, correct and frequent ambulatory measurements are key in every physician’s
armamentarium.