How to monitor blood pressure at home?
Eating a healthy diet is a good way to control high blood pressure. It is important to check blood pressure at home often to lower the risk of heart attack and heart diseases. Many people think it is not easy to measure blood pressure at home. Here are three easy steps to keep your blood pressure on track.
Step 1: How to buy?
You can buy blood pressure machines at any drug stores. Ask for an automatic one because they are easier to use. There are two types of automatic blood pressure: wrist and upper arm cuffs. Wrist cuff is more convenient. You do not have to roll your sleeve up. But the readings are usually higher and less accurate because the blood vessels there are smaller and not as deep. Buy a wrist cuff if you need to check blood pressure once in a while. Buy an upper arm cuff if you need to check your blood pressure more often. Don’t forget to measure your upper arm’s circumference when buying an arm cuff.
Step 2: When is the best time to check?
Check your blood pressure in the morning after you get up, and before you go to bed. It is okay to check your blood pressure before or after you take your medications for high blood pressure. It is better to check at the same time every day. You should not drink coffee, tea, exercise or smoke tobacco 30 minutes before checking your blood pressure. They can make your blood pressure go up higher.
Step 3: How to check?
- Relax for 5 minutes
- Sit in a chair with your back straight
- Your feet should be flat on the floor.
- Your arm is placed on the table
- Do not move or talk when measuring
- After measuring, check the top and bottom readings on the machine.
- Write down the top and bottom readings each time you measure.
- Remember to bring your blood pressure record to your next doctor’s visit.
Talk to your doctor of pharmacist if you have questions about your readings.
-APPE Class of 2021 Student
