The Right Way To Measure Blood Pressure at Home

Keeping tabs on your blood pressure at home? Great choice! It’s a smart way to stay on top of your health, especially if you've been diagnosed with hypertension or similar issues. But remember, getting accurate readings is key. If your blood pressure readings are off, you might end up with the wrong treatment plan, which can mess with your health or hide signs of something more serious going on.

From setting up your monitor to taking accurate readings and understanding what they mean, here are some tips from our Archbold cardiologists to ensure you're doing it right!

How To Set Up A Home Blood Pressure Monitoring System

Proper setup of your blood pressure monitoring system is the first step toward obtaining reliable readings.

• Choose an Appropriate Monitor: Opt for an automated, cuff-style bicep monitor–studies suggest a cuff is more accurate than wrist or finger monitors.
• Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with your specific model's features and instructions.
• Test the Device: Before regular use, take your monitor to a healthcare provider to check its accuracy against a professional-grade device.

Choose The Right Size Cuff and Position It Correctly

“The blood pressure cuff plays a critical role in ensuring your measurements are spot on,” says Archbold Interventional Cardiologist Christopher L. Daniels, MD. “Getting this part right goes a long way toward more reliable blood pressure readings at home.”

To steer clear of common slip-ups, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Select the Right Cuff Size: Ensure the cuff fits your arm properly. A cuff that's too small or too large can give false readings. Most cuffs have a marked range that indicates proper fit.
• Position Correctly: The cuff should be placed on a bare arm, level with your heart. Ensure it's snug but not overly tight, with space to slide two fingertips underneath.
• Rest Your Arm: During measurement, your arm should be supported on a flat surface, with the forearm at heart level and the palm of your hand facing upward.

Be Consistent and Relax

“Sticking to a regular routine and keeping things consistent in your environment can really make a difference in your blood pressure readings,” said Archbold Cardiologist Adam T. Marlar. “By measuring your blood pressure at the same time each day, in a quiet place, and in the same sitting position, you help ensure that the numbers you see are reliable.”

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Measure at the Same Time Each Day: Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, so measuring at the same time each day provides consistency.
• Stay Relaxed: Avoid eating, drinking caffeine, smoking, or exercising for at least 30 minutes before taking your measurement.
• Sit Correctly: Sit with your back straight and supported, legs uncrossed, and feet flat on the floor. Remain quiet and still during the measurement.

How to Track Your Blood Pressure Readings

“Understanding your at-home readings and tracking them regularly is the key to keeping your blood pressure in check,” said Archbold Cardiologist Pallavi Luthra, DO. “By recording each reading, noting the time of day, and any factors that might affect your blood pressure, like stress or diet, you can spot trends and identify what triggers changes.”

Dr. Luthra added, “This ongoing record provides valuable insights for you and your healthcare provider, allowing for more informed decisions about your treatment and overall health strategy.”

• Record Your Readings: Keep a log of your readings, noting the date, time, and any notes on activities or meals before the measurement.
• Look for Patterns: Tracking your readings can help identify trends and potential triggers causing changes in blood pressure.
• Share Your Readings With Your Healthcare Provider: Regularly share your blood pressure log with your physician to adjust medications or treatments as necessary.

How Often You Should Measure & When To Call the Doctor

How often you should measure your blood pressure varies based on your healthcare provider's recommendations and any health conditions you might have.

“If you're dealing with hypertension or changes in your medication, your doctor might suggest checking your blood pressure several times a day,” said Archbold Interventional Cardiologist Pranav Diwan, MD. “If your situation is more stable, measuring a few times a week could be enough. Always tailor your monitoring frequency to fit your specific health needs and follow the guidance of your physician.”

• General Guideline: If you're starting a new medication or changing your treatment plan, measure your blood pressure multiple times a day. Once stable, daily measurements or a few times a week may be sufficient.
• Consult Your Physician: If your readings are consistently too high or too low (as per your healthcare provider’s guidelines), or if you experience symptoms like severe headache, confusion, or chest pain, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If managing your blood pressure is tricky or you're not sure if you're doing it right, it's a good idea to contact your primary care physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, contact Archbold Primary Care to find a primary healthcare provider in your area.