Is it possible to check your blood pressure at home?
Absolutely! Checking your blood pressure at home is convenient and can save you time by avoiding the need for a doctor’s appointment for a routine check. Home blood pressure monitors allow you to obtain accurate readings from the comfort of your own home. However, it’s important to know the correct procedure for using the monitor and interpreting the results, as it can sometimes be confusing.
While some monitors display easily readable figures, others may require you to understand how to interpret the results. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive guidance on successfully checking your blood pressure at home.
How can I use a home blood pressure monitor?
When you purchase a home blood pressure monitor, you will receive an instruction booklet that provides precise guidance on how to use it correctly. However, some individuals may still find it challenging and end up with inaccurate results, which can lead to misinterpretation of their blood pressure levels. While each monitor may have slight variations, there are common steps to follow:
Step 1: Ensure you are calm and relaxed.
To obtain accurate results, it’s important to be calm and relaxed during the blood pressure measurement.
Step 2: Position yourself correctly.
Sit with your feet flat on the floor and place your arm on a table. Keep your chosen arm relaxed and avoid clenching your fist, as it may affect the readings.
Step 3: Apply the cuff.
Place the cuff around your upper arm, ensuring a snug fit. The tubing should run down the inside of your arm, and you should be able to fit two fingers between the cuff and your arm.
Step 4: Activate the monitor and remain still.
Press the “on” or “start” button on the machine to begin the measurement. The cuff will inflate and then gradually deflate. Avoid talking or moving during this process. If the cuff feels too tight, consider turning off the machine.
Step 5: Record the reading.
Once the measurement is complete, the monitor will display the reading (depending on the model). Take note of the reading for further evaluation.
Step 6: Repeat for accuracy.
To ensure accuracy, repeat the measurement following the same steps. Multiple readings can help identify any anomalies that may have occurred due to factors such as lack of relaxation.
While specific controls may vary depending on the model, the included instructions should be clear enough to follow without mistakes.
What do blood pressure readings indicate?
A blood pressure measurement provides two numbers: the systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressures, both measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The systolic number reflects the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood, while the diastolic number represents the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
Understanding blood pressure readings:
- Healthy blood pressure: Systolic number between 90mmHg and 120mmHg, and diastolic number between 60mmHg and 80mmHg.
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Systolic number higher than 140mmHg, or diastolic number higher than 90mmHg.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension): Systolic number lower than 90mmHg, or diastolic number lower than 60mmHg.
If you obtain significantly different readings, it could be due to lack of calmness during the test, and it’s recommended to retake the measurement.
In the case of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, there is a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other complications. Medication can help manage hypertension.
It’s important to note that home blood pressure monitors are the recommended method for checking blood pressure accurately. Other methods, such as monitoring heart rate by feeling the pulse, are not reliable for measuring blood pressure.
How frequently should you check your blood pressure?
The frequency of blood pressure checks depends on various factors. If you have healthy blood pressure and overall good health, you won’t need to check it as frequently as someone with hypertension or other conditions.
For individuals with high blood pressure, checking it at least twice a day and performing multiple tests each time can help ensure stability and accuracy. Additionally, having your blood pressure checked by a doctor once a year is advisable. If your blood pressure is healthy, regular monitoring may not be necessary, and a doctor may check it once every five years for healthy adults.