Relationship between the frequency of blood pressure self-measurement and blood pressure reduction with antihypertensive therapy - Results of the OLMETEL (OLMEsartan TELemonitoring blood pressure) study

Objectives: This subanalysis of the OLMETEL (OLMEsartan TELemonitoring blood pressure) study in patients with essential hypertension assessed the relationship between the frequency of blood pressure self-measurement (BPSM) and the response to blood pressure (BP)-lowering therapy with olmesartan medoxomil, and the number of BP readings per week necessary to detect a mean systolic or diastolic BP reduction >= 5mm Hg. Methods: A total of 53 patients with essential hypertension received treatment with olmesartan medoxomil 10, 20 or 40mg daily for 12 weeks. BPSM was performed for the first 9 weeks using a TensioPhone TP2 device. Patients were instructed to measure BP at least twice daily (morning and evening). Results: After the first 9 weeks of the 12-week treatment period, the extent of BP reduction correlated with the number of BPSMs. Systolic/diastolic BP reductions in patients with a 100% adherence to at least two BP measurements daily were -16.6/-8.0mm Hg compared with -0.2/-3.3mm Hg in patients with only a 75% adherence to at least one BP measurement daily. Obtaining five home BP readings per week resulted in a sensitivity of 94.8% and a specificity of 90.0% to detect a BP reduction of >= 5mm Hg. Conclusion: Patients adhering to the instructions for BPSM (at least two measurements daily) had a better response to antihypertensive treatment with olmesartan medoxomil. Whether BPSM per se resulted in an improved adherence to therapy or whether the number of recordings was an indicator of already existing adherence remains to be determined. Obtaining at least five home BP readings per week was identified as the threshold for correctly predicting response to olmesartan medoxomil treatment.