Insufficient blood pressure control is a frequent problem despite the existence of effective treatment. One of the causes is insufficient self-monitoring and a lack of adherence to therapy. Blood pressure self-measurement at home (Home Blood Pressure Measurement, HBPM) has positive effects on treatment adherence and is helpful in achieving the target blood pressure.

Only a few studies have investigated whether the adherence for HBPM can be improved through simple measures and better blood pressure monitoring can be achieved.

Objective Improvement of self-monitoring by means of blood pressure self-measurement and improved blood pressure control by using a new colour-coded blood pressure diary

Inclusion criteria:

• Age >18 years
• BP > 140/90 mmHg Two consecutive measurements carried out in the practice (measured by the general practitioner at the start of the study).
• Unchanged anti-hypertension treatment for one month before inclusion
• Patient able to measure blood pressure at home
• Written informed consent

Exclusion criteria: • Blood pressure reading over 180 mmHg systolic and/or 110 mmHg diastolic.

• Serious general or psychological illness (malignant tumor, serious depressive episodes or evidence of dementia).
• Insufficient knowledge of the German language for instruction and blood pressure recording with a booklet.