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May 25, 2010 | Comments: 1

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you to buy a home monitor so you can track your levels yourself. Keeping your blood pressure under control reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke. 

A home monitor allows you to take measurements at different times of the day to determine your average blood pressure level and see how you are responding to medication. You get immediate feedback, which can help motivate you to stick to your treatment plan. Self-monitoring is especially beneficial if you are older (older people in particular can have highly variable blood pressure), have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, or are pregnant.

What to buy, how to use

Home monitors don’t have to be expensive to be good—many cost less than $100—though they’re not typically covered by insurance. There are several types. A list of validated devices can be found here, or your doctor may be able to recommend a particular model. Automatic upper arm monitors with self-inflating cuffs (not wrist or finger ones) are preferable. They take your blood pressure and report the results on a screen at the touch of a button, without the need for a stethoscope; many store and average the results as well.

Before beginning, bring your blood pressure monitor to your doctor’s office to check its accuracy and your technique. When using it, you should be in a seated position with your feet flat on the floor. After resting for five minutes, you take two or three readings, one minute apart. It’s important to make sure the cuff fits right. You should not take your blood pressure within 30 minutes of exercising, drinking coffee, or smoking.

Also discuss with your doctor:

• How often and at what times of the day you should take your blood pressure. You may be advised to check it more often initially or if you are changing medication or dose.

• What your target blood pressure goal is. Optimal blood pressure for adults is below 120/80.

• If you have pre-hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 and/or diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89), ask your doctor if home monitoring is a good idea. Depending on your other risk factors, it might be. 

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