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We applaud the efforts expressed in “Managing your hypertensive patients in practice” (Khrystine Waked, Jeff Nagge and Kelly Grindrod, Can Fam Physician 2019; 65:725-729) to render common hypertension management decisions into healthcare providers and patient friendly infographics. However, we are concerned with some of the statements on blood pressure measurement contained in the article. Hypertension Canada guidelines have made several evidence-informed recommendations regarding optimal BP measurement methods in and out of office settings. It is important for the health of Canadians that healthcare providers (physicians, pharmacists, nurses practitioners and nurses) are cognizant of, and participatory in, the implementation of current recommendations regarding BP measurement to achieve accurate risk assessment and avoid under- and over-treatment.
First, since 2015, Hypertension Canada guidelines have advocated that healthcare professionals use Automated Office Blood Pressure (AOBP) as the preferred method of in-office BP measurement in an effort to standardize this critical measure and to minimize the white-coat effect. Subsequently, more evidence supporting this recommendation has been published and other international guidelines groups have made similar recommendations. The authors failed to raise this critical issue regarding accurate office BP measurement. In contrast to this the authors recommend, “Take ≥3 readings/visit every 4 weeks after starting or changi...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.