High blood pressure (hypertension) is a silent killer. Checking blood pressure at home is an important part of managing of high blood pressure. Regularly checking blood pressure at home helps your doctor determine if treatment is working (adjusting the current medication dose or adding another medication).
Home blood pressure monitors are available widely. But it’s important to know how to use it accurately.
Tips to help ensure accurate blood pressure monitoring at home
- Make sure your automatic blood pressure machine is correct. Before using a blood pressure monitor, have your GP compare the readings from your monitor with the readings from the monitor in the medical practice.
- Sit quietly before and during monitoring. When you are ready to take your blood pressure, sit for 5 minutes in a comfortable position with your legs uncrossed. Your back should be supported against a chair. Don’t talk while taking your blood pressure.
- Make sure your arm is positioned properly. Rest your arm, raised to the level of your heart, on a table, desk or chair arm. You might need to place a pillow or cushion under your arm to raise it high enough. Try to use left arm and always use the same arm when taking your blood pressure. Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing (rolled-up sleeve).
- Blood pressure varies throughout the day. Readings are often a little higher in the morning. Also, your blood pressure might be slightly lower at home than with your doctor.
- At the start, measure your blood pressure at least twice a day. Take your blood pressure first in the morning before eating or taking any medications. Take it again in the evening. Each time you measure, take 3 readings and then take the average of the 3 readings. If you exercise after waking, take your blood pressure before exercising. Also, empty your bladder first. A full bladder can increase blood pressure slightly.
Talk to your GP for further assessment and management.
Monitoring blood pressure is really important that everyone should consider.