How to Take an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading at Home

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other health conditions.

You can get your blood pressure checked at your doctor’s office, but it’s also easy to check it at home with a blood pressure monitor. If you have high blood pressure, checking your blood pressure at home can help you track your progress and make sure your medications are working.

Here are the steps on how to take an accurate blood pressure reading at home:

Choose a blood pressure monitor. There are many different types of blood pressure monitors available, both manual and automatic. Manual monitors require you to inflate the cuff yourself, while automatic monitors do it for you. Automatic monitors are more convenient, but they can be more expensive.
Make sure the cuff fits properly. The cuff should be snug but not too tight. If it’s too tight, it will give you an inaccurate reading. If it’s too loose, it won’t be able to inflate properly.
Find a quiet place to sit. You should sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported. Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed.
Relax for a few minutes before taking your reading. Talking, moving, or being anxious can raise your blood pressure.
Place the cuff on your upper arm. The cuff should be placed on the same arm that you use to write with. The bottom of the cuff should be about 1 inch above your elbow.
Turn on the monitor and follow the instructions. Most monitors will give you verbal instructions on how to take your reading.
Stay still during the measurement. Don’t talk or move until the measurement is complete.
Record your reading. Write down both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Your systolic blood pressure is the top number and your diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number.
Take two or three readings at different times of the day. This will help you get an accurate reading of your blood pressure.
Take your readings at the same time each day. This will help you track your progress over time.
See your doctor if your blood pressure is high. If your blood pressure is high, see your doctor right away. They can help you find ways to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

By following these tips, you can take accurate blood pressure readings at home and help keep your blood pressure under control.

Source: American Heart Association

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