How to Check Your Blood Pressure at Home
If you have high blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, then you know how important it is to keep track of your blood pressure at home.
While keeping track of your measurements and taking your medications are probably the most important aspects of managing blood pressure, it is also vital to know how to take a good blood pressure measurement at home.
The first step to getting a good blood pressure measurement is having an accurate blood pressure machine. The American Heart Association recommends this website when looking for a validated blood pressure machine. https://www.validatebp.org.
Once you have a blood pressure machine, the next step is taking an accurate blood pressure reading. Positioning is key to getting a good reading. Listed below are the key things to keep in mind when checking your blood pressure:
- Sit on a comfortable chair with your back on a back rest
- Plant your feet firmly on the ground and ensure that your legs are not crossed
- Have your arm propped up on a table and at chest/heart level
- Be still and do not talk during the measurement
If you follow these guidelines, you will get an accurate blood pressure reading.
When taking your blood pressure, it is a good idea to take multiple readings, then record the average of these readings. It is also important to take your blood pressure at the same time every day and maintain consistency with this.
If you have high blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, then you know how important it is to keep track of your blood pressure at home.
While keeping track of your measurements and taking your medications are probably the most important aspects of managing blood pressure, it is also vital to know how to take a good blood pressure measurement at home.
The first step to getting a good blood pressure measurement is having an accurate blood pressure machine. The American Heart Association recommends this website when looking for a validated blood pressure machine. https://www.validatebp.org.
Once you have a blood pressure machine, the next step is taking an accurate blood pressure reading. Positioning is key to getting a good reading. Listed below are the key things to keep in mind when checking your blood pressure:
- Sit on a comfortable chair with your back on a back rest
- Plant your feet firmly on the ground and ensure that your legs are not crossed
- Have your arm propped up on a table and at chest/heart level
- Be still and do not talk during the measurement
If you follow these guidelines, you will get an accurate blood pressure reading.
When taking your blood pressure, it is a good idea to take multiple readings, then record the average of these readings. It is also important to take your blood pressure at the same time every day and maintain consistency with this.
