At-Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Reduces Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke

A new study reveals that patients with high blood pressure who monitor their readings at home and share them with doctors significantly lower their risk of serious cardiovascular events. Researchers analyzed data from around 450,000 Scottish patients treated between 2019 and 2022, finding that those using the Connect Me BP telemonitoring service saw a 34% reduction in hospitalizations or deaths from heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. The service sends automated text reminders to patients to check their blood pressure at home, collects the data, and forwards it to their doctors. Within three months, participants experienced lowered blood pressure levels, which remained stable for over a year. Dr. Brian McKinstry, emeritus professor of primary care eHealth at the University of Edinburgh, called this the strongest evidence yet that telemonitoring reduces not just blood pressure but also strokes and heart attacks. The study involved 9,500 patients using Connect Me BP, with doctors intervening as needed based on the shared data. Lead researcher Janet Hanley, an associate professor at Edinburgh Napier University, emphasized that telemonitoring improves blood pressure control through convenience and regular engagement. James Leiper, director of research at the British Heart Association, noted that empowering patients to track their blood pressure at home could enhance treatment outcomes and extend healthier lives. Researchers suggest further studies to determine if high-risk patients might benefit even more from telemonitoring. The findings were published in *European Heart Journal-Digital Health* on May 26, 2026, with data sourced from Scotland’s health records between 2019 and 2022.