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Editorial News
Published on
Dec 12 2024 at 5:32 a.m.
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During a medical consultation or at home, it has been recommended for several decades to measure blood pressure – tension – by carrying out three consecutive measurements on the same arm (and not at the wrist), a few minutes apart, at rest, in a calm environment and in a seated (not lying down) position. This method makes it possible to screen and monitor high blood pressure (hypertension), which affects 17 million French people.
But that’s now history, notes the High Blood Pressure Research Foundation. It has just released the new European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2024 protocol which updates self-measurement of blood pressure in view of recent studies. We therefore forget “the rule of 3”, and we adopt that of “2-2-3”, i.e. 2 measurements in the morning and 2 measurements in the evening, for a minimum of 3 days.
The new “2-2-3” rule
According to the new recommendation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2024, commented by Professor Xavier Girerd, hypertensiologist, and co-founder of the HTA Foundation, it is now established that a difference of more than 10 mmHg (millimeters of mercury ) between the first and second measure is common.
On the other hand, a variation of this amplitude between the second and third measurement remains exceptional. Therefore, no need for a third measurement !
The new protocol for self-measurement of blood pressure at home, based on the recommendations of experts from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2024, is as follows:
- take two measurements in the morning and two measurements in the evening;
- over a period of 3 days (minimum) to 7 days (maximum).
Self-measured blood pressure (including the two blood pressure values: systolic and diastolic: SBP/DBP) is therefore calculated from the average of at least 12 measurements.
How to interpret the results of self-measurement of blood pressure?
The interpretation of the results of self-measurement of blood pressure at home must be put into perspective with the values measured in consultation (where there may be a “white coat effect” linked to the presence of a health professional alongside the patient). patient, which tends to slightly elevate blood pressure) and the diagnostic thresholds defined by the European Society of Cardiology.
To this end, new correspondences have been established:
- a self-measurement average of 135/85 mmHg corresponds to the threshold of 140/90 mmHg measured in consultation;
- a self-measurement average of 120/70 mmHg corresponds to the threshold of 120/70 mmHg measured in consultation.
New blood pressure thresholds in 2024
In 2024, new systolic and diastolic pressure thresholds (SBP/DBP) define the different categories of blood pressure in medical consultation and self-measurement.
- Normal blood pressure
It is identical in consultation and self-measurement: less than 120/70 mmHg.
- High blood pressure
Only in consultation: between 120/70 and 139/89 mmHg.
In consultation: greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg
Self-measured: greater than or equal to 135/85 mmHg
A free application
To find your way around and monitor your blood pressure, the Arterial Hypertension Research Foundation has designed the free SuiviHTA application for tablets and smartphones. The use of HTA monitoring is recommended by cardiologists and most learned societies in the specialty.
To measure blood pressure, you need an automatic blood pressure monitor.
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