Background: Routine blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring is recommended for patients already diagnosed with hypertension. How often these patients can report their BP levels is unknown, particularly in low-and-middle income countries. Methods: We surveyed (January 2021 to May 2022) representative samples of patients with established diagnosis of hypertension from 3 health care networks (involving 74 outpatient clinics) and 2 university hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. Trained health care professionals conducted a telephone survey including questions on demographics, medical history, and general understanding about hypertension and its potential complications. The outcome variables were the self-report of participant’s BP levels (primary) and monitoring practices among participants. Results: Out of 2609 consecutively contacted patients sampled from institutional records, 2323 were invited and 1566 (mean age 66.5, SD = 12.1 years, 74.4percent-flag-change females, 64.0percent-flag-change living low socio-economic strata) gave consent to participate. While 66percent-flag-change of participants had over 5 years of diagnosis, 39.5percent-flag-change had most (ampersand-flag-changege; 60percent-flag-change) of their follow-up visits with the same doctor. Overall, 645 (41.5percent-flag-change, 95percent-flag-changeCI 39.1 -43.9) participants reported their BP levels. This proportion was independent of time from diagnosis, but higher among those of younger age, living in higher socio-economic strata, having more years of education and using more information technologies. Also, more patients reported their BP levels if seen ampersand-flag-changege; 60percent-flag-change of the times by the same physician (43.4percent-flag-change Vs. 36.7percent-flag-change). Those reporting closer BP self-monitoring more often used electronic devices, received 2 medications, and had better knowledge about hypertension. Conclusion: A minority of hypertensive patients seen in Bogotá were aware of their own BP levels. Those in such capacity were in a better social position, more often seen by the same doctor, knew their condition better and handled more complex treatments. Hypertensive patients from Bogotá may benefit from a more continuous medical care, patient education programs and promoting BP home monitoring.
