[Blood pressure self measurement (BPSM)].

Blood pressure self measurement (BPSM) offers advantages over measurements in the doctor's office, and may improve the overall management of hypertension. BPSM permits the identification of "white-coat hypertension" and "masked hypertension". Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the true importance of BPSM. Doctors must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of BPSM and be able to provide their patients with information about available devices for self measurement, in particular about the accuracy and reliability of the devices they are using. Patient training in blood pressure measurement should concentrate on classification of blood pressure, blood pressure variability, standardized self measurement, interpretation of the readings, and treatment of hypertension.