Hypertension is the abnormal elevation of pressure within the arteries of the body. It affects more than 65 million individuals in the United States and is one of the most important and preventable risk factors for heart disease, strokes and kidney disease. It is referred to as the silent killer because it usually is not associated with symptoms until has caused significant damage to the body.

Despite the well-known dangers of elevated blood pressure, major shortcomings exists in the treatment and screening of patients with high blood pressure according to study from the Stanford University School of Medicine. According to a federal survey conducted, blood pressure was measured in only 56 percent of all patient visits, and only 39 percent of patients who were treated had their blood pressure controlled at the recommended levels.

Home blood pressure monitoring is a proactive approach that you can undertake to bridge the gap between blood pressure treatment and goals, and the gap between risk and prevention.  Home blood pressure monitoring can be a valuable tool in helping your doctor develop and pursue a treatment course.