Telemonitoring of blood pressure self measurement in the OLMETEL study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring in previous uncontrolled hypertensives treated with olmesartan medoxomil in a clinical practice setting.


METHODS
Patients (n = 53) with untreated, uncontrolled or insufficiently treated hypertension were selected by physicians to receive olmesartan medoxomil 10-40 mg/day for 12 weeks. Office BP values were determined by a physician at baseline and after 12 weeks' treatment; BP self-measurement (BPSM) was conducted throughout the 12-week treatment period using a TensioPhone TP2 telemonitoring device; BP values were stored and automatically downloaded to a remote service centre via standard telephone lines.


RESULTS
Olmesartan medoxomil produced statistically significant reductions from baseline in both systolic and diastolic office BP and BPSM values. In contrast to office BP, telemonitoring of BPSM allowed the early identification of responders (e.g., after 2-3 weeks' treatment). Blood pressure reduction with olmesartan medoxomil was greater for office BP than for BPSM values. Normalization of BP was achieved in 64.2% of the patients using office BP measurement compared with 36.4% using BPSM. Blood pressure self-measurement showed no significant difference between morning and evening BP measurements or between the morning : evening BP ratio at baseline and after nine weeks of olmesartan medoxomil treatment. Compliance and tolerability were good or very good in most patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In a 'real-life' clinical practice setting, telemonitoring of BPSM was an effective technique that was partially affected by patient non-compliance. Olmesartan medoxomil provided effective and reliable BP-lowering, which was maintained throughout the 24-hour period.
Mengden
Thomas
T
Medizinische Poliklinik, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. mengden@uni-bonn.de
Ewald
Silke
S
Kaufmann
Stefanie
S
vor dem Esche
Johannes
J
Uen
Sakir
S
Vetter
Hans
H
D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000068557:Olmesartan Medoxomil; D012648:Self Care; D017216:Telemedicine; D013777:Tetrazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D007093:Imidazoles; D013777:Tetrazoles; D000068557:Olmesartan Medoxomil