Guidelines on Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in India

Abstract

Though HBPM is recommended for hypertension management, its use remains low in India—especially in rural areas—with only 18.1% of participants using it. Most users lacked formal training, relying instead on self-learning methods. Asia HBPM survey (India) 2020 reveals that although a high proportion of Indian physicians (88%) recommend HBPM to individuals with hypertension, actual usage remains low, with only about one-third owning or using a device. Inadequate or inconsistent guidance from physicians and low awareness of diagnostic reference values likely contribute to suboptimal HBPM adoption. The HBP measurement rate is 47.5% from GRAND Study. These findings underscore the need for standardized physician education and clear patient instructions to enhance the use of HBPM in routine hypertension management and cardiovascular disease prevention.

Despite its growing importance, there are no widely adopted national guidelines in India that provide standardized protocols for HBPM. This document seeks to fill that gap by offering clear, evidence-based guidance tailored to the Indian healthcare environment. It outlines recommendations for device selection, measurement technique, frequency of monitoring, interpretation of readings, and patient education. It also addresses practical considerations such as affordability, health literacy, and integration with India's national non-communicable disease control programs. By establishing structured practices for HBPM, this guideline aims to support clinicians, healthcare workers, and patients in achieving better BP control and improving cardiovascular outcomes across India.