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BUY A BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR FOR HOME USE

Some people are anxious when they visit the doctor which can affect the accuracy of their blood pressure reading.  A more accurate method may be to monitor blood pressure at home.

Also, if your doctor says your blood pressure should be monitored on a regular basis, it will be more affordable to buy your own monitor and do it at home.  It is easy and painless.

STEPS FOR ACCURATE READINGS

Here are some tips to ensure accurate blood pressure readings:

• Use a validated monitor and the right size cuff for your arm.  There are good digital monitors that only require you press a button to get a reading.  These are probably the best option for home monitoring, but there are alternatives.
• Make sure to choose a monitor with a cuff that is large enough to go around Check your blood pressure in the morning.  Even better, take it in the morning and the evening at about the same times each day. Your doctor may specify how many times a day and when you should monitor your blood pressure.

Before a reading:

• Wait two hours after heavy activity or 30 minutes after light activity.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine.
• Empty your bladder.
• Sit quietly for five to ten minutes with both feet flat on the floor before taking a reading.

Taking the reading:

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• Check your blood pressure before taking medications or bathing.
• Place cuff on bare arm, not over a sleeve.
• Locate your pulse near your brachial artery.
• Secure the cuff, about one inch above your elbow and align it with your brachial artery.
• Press the START or POWER button.
• Pressure readings will be displayed on the screen. A long beep will tell you when the measurement is complete
• Record the date, time, systolic and diastolic pressures from the display screen. Systolic pressure measures the force of the blood against the artery walls as your heart beats). Diastolic pressure  measures the blood pressure between heartbeats. You should also record any special circumstances like any recent exercise, meal, or stressful event.
• Take your blood pressure in both arms occasionally.  Call your doctor if there is a different reading for each arm.
• Once a year, bring your blood pressure monitor with you to your doctor’s visit to  compare the blood pressure reading from your machine with the one in the doctor’s office.

Here is a simple, clear video that shows how to measure your own blood pressure at home.