Overview of hypertension in France
With 17 million French people suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension), this condition is one of the greatest public health challenges. The objective is clear: detect cardiovascular risks earlier to better protect the population.
This disease is mainly treated with medications.hypotensive effects, through lifestyle changes (low-salt diet, physical activity) and regular medical monitoring. These actions indeed remain the pillars of treatment. Lhypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer”, is notably responsible for numerous complications, such as stroke and coronary heart disease.
The 2-2-3 rule: a simplified and effective method
The new 2-2-3 method replaces the old “rule of 3” (three consecutive measurements per day over three days). From now on, the rule of 2-2-3 recommended :
- Two measurements in the morning et two measures in the eveningpendant three consecutive days minimum (up to seven days).
- Calculating the average : an analysis on at least 12 measures (compared to 18 previously) allows anomalies to be detected more precisely.
According to Professor Xavier Girerd, specialist in hypertension and president of the Hypertension Foundation, studies show that a third consecutive measurement brings little added value and unnecessarily complicates the protocol.
Interpretation of the results: what to remember
The study compared the results of measurements taken by the patient themselves with those taken in consultation with a healthcare professional. Several observations were made:
- The white coat effect : during consultation, the pressure can be artificially high. Measuring at home avoids this effect.
- Diagnostic thresholds 2024 defined:
- Consultation: pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg defines hypertension.
- Self-measurement: a pressure greater than or equal to 135/85 mmHg is considered hypertensive.
- New categories implemented:
- Normal pressure : less than 120/70 mmHg (identical for consultation and self-measurement).
- High pressure : enter 120/70 and 139/89 mmHg in consultation.
The impact and benefits of digital simplification for healthcare professionals
The HTA Foundation recommends the use of apps, such as SuiviHTAto facilitate interpretation of voltage data. These tools make it possible toe automatically track averages,e detect anomalies without manual calculation and darchive the measurements for longitudinal follow-up with the doctor.
Among the advantages identified,This protocol reduces the complexity of consultations and improves the reliability of diagnoses. As for the défis to note, the revised thresholds (135/85 mmHg) and the recognition of “high blood pressure” between 120/70 and 139/89 mmHg require an adaptation of practices. Finally, the study recommends to integrate the results of self-measurement into therapeutic decisions, particularly via digital tools.
Towards better care
The 2-2-3 rule marks a step forward in the fight against hypertension. By simplifying the procedure while improving precision, it offers patients and doctors an effective tool to prevent cardiovascular risks. By combining technology, education and easy access to monitoring tools, it could lastingly transform the management of hypertension in France.
