How to monitor blood pressure at home
Checking your blood pressure at home is an important part of monitoring blood pressure and managing hypertension. There are many easy-to-use digital automatic blood pressure monitors in the market for monitoring blood pressure at home. Measuring blood pressure casually without following standard procedures can produce unreliable readings. Measurements of inaccuracy, even for just a tiny fraction, can result in improper treatment. Hence, it is important to get accurate blood pressure readings.
How to choose blood pressure monitors
- The common digital monitors can be fitted on the upper arm or the wrist. Upper-arm devices are preferably used as they are more accurate. Exceptions are found in people who find the size or shape of the cuffs does not fit well, or those who find their arms painful from the pressure of the cuffs being inflated. Talk with a doctor or qualified health care provider about which kind of blood pressure monitors is right for you. Devices that measure blood pressure at the finger are not recommended.
- Cuffs of upper-arm devices come in different sizes. The wrong cuff size will give incorrect readings: using a cuff that is too small for the arm may lead to overestimation of blood pressure, and vice versa. Hence, make sure the cuff fits your arm. The cuff should be wide enough to cover two thirds of the upper arm, and its length should be enough to encircle the whole arm. Most monitors come with medium-size cuffs that suit most adults. People with large arms or overweight people may need bigger cuffs. You may also seek advice from your doctor or the supplier of your blood pressure monitor.
- Make sure the monitor you choose has been clinically validated for accuracy. Read the manual carefully and operate the device according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is not uncommon for blood pressure readings taken at home to be different from those taken at your doctor's clinic. If the blood pressure monitor is not too bulky, it is a good idea that you bring it along to your medical appointment. Your doctor can help validate your monitor's accuracy.
How to get accurate readings
- When to take blood pressure:
- Measure blood pressure at around the same time each day.
- Do not measure blood pressure when you feel unwell, cold, anxious, stressful, painful, or when you have a full bladder.
- Before taking blood pressure:
- Stop exercising, smoking or consuming foods or drinks containing caffeine (such as tea or coffee) at least 30 minutes before taking blood pressure.
- Remember to wear loose-fitting clothes.
- Rest and relax for 5 minutes without distractions (e.g. watching television).
- Arm position:
- Be seated comfortably with the back supported.
- Pull up the sleeve to bare your upper arm, and wrap the cuff around it.
- Make sure your arm is supported and your upper arm is at the same level as your heart.
- Keep feet on the floor and do not cross legs.
- Taking blood pressure:
- Relax and do not talk while taking the readings.
- After taking the first set of readings, release cuff pressure completely and repeat the above steps to obtain a second set of readings. The two sets of figures should be taken at least 1 minute apart.
- Take the average value of at least two sets of readings. If the first two sets of readings differ by more than 5 mmHg, you should obtained additional readings before you work out the average.
- Jot down all the readings to maintain a continuous monitoring.
- Consult a doctor or a nurse if you have any concern.
(March 2013)