Dutch Study shows undetected high blood pressure found in new mums

5 February 2018
Dutch Study shows undetected high blood pressure found in new mums

A new Dutch study of 200 women who had suffered from pre-eclampsia during pregnancy found that 17.5% had masked hypertension, with a higher reading being taken at home. The variation in blood pressure readings in the doctor’s office to that of home self-monitoring indicates an insufficient decrease in blood pressure from day to night time, which is considered unhealthy. The study found if only the in-clinic readings were used, doctors would have missed 56% of the women with high blood pressure, providing a false sense of security for new mothers.

Dr Laura Benschop, the study author from the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, said:

“Our findings suggest women who have high blood pressure during pregnancy should continue to monitor their blood pressure long after they’ve delivered their babies. It’s not only important to monitor blood pressure in the doctor’s office, but also at different times of the day and night, at home”.

This guidance reflects the findings of previous studies which we had reported on but this new study sheds light on the day-night differences and the need to self-monitor at different times of the day and also in the evening. For peace of mind, ease of use, reliability, full data recording and charting, Activ8rlives provides two different sized Bluetooth Blood Pressure monitors, available with small or larger cuff circumferences. Read how easy it is to take your blood pressure readings at home from one of our users Katie at Living Life Our Way.

Laura Benschop, et al. Bood Pressure Profile 1 Year After Severe Preeclampsia. Hypertension. 2018;HYPERTENSIONAHA.117.10338.