New study finds current testing for hypertension can be inaccurate

Thousands of Australians could have high blood pressure and not know it, even though they've been tested at their G-Ps. A new study has found current testing for hypertension can be inaccurate. The research, conducted by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute over a 12-year period, revealed nearly one in five people have what’s known as ‘masked hypertension’ and means the condition may be going undiagnosed. Researcher at the institute, Professor Geoff Head, says using the 24-hour monitoring device for the study provides a more accurate way to test a person’s blood pressure.

A GP checks a patient’s blood pressure Source: AAP