Objective: To estimate the number of devices for home blood pressure measurements in the French population in 2004 and to evaluate the use of these apparatus.
Methods: The French League Against Hypertension Survey 2004 (FLAHS-2004) was performed cross-sectionally on 3707 subjects, part of a sample of 5476 subjects selected as being representative of the French metropolitan population for age (35 years and above), gender, socioeconomic status, and place of living. Subjects who declare to take an antihypertensive medication were classified as treated hypertensive patients. A questionnaire evaluating the condition of use of HBP device was given.
Results: In 2004, 24% of the French population above the age of 35 years was treated for hypertension, corresponding to an estimate of 7.5 million of subjects. 25% of treated hypertensives and 12% of untreated subjects had a tensiometer. A total of 4 millions of BP devices are owned in the general population with 43% by treated hypertensive patients. 67% of BP devices are wrist cuff. Medical doctors recommended home blood pressure monitoring in only 12% of subjects.
Conclusion: In 2004, the number of subjects treated for hypertension is 1/4 of the general population over the age of 35 years in France. In this group of subjects, 1/4 possessed a tensiometer but in only 10% medical doctor recommended the use of home blood pressure monitoring.