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How to check your blood pressure at home | Girija Healthcare & Surgical

Here you can find resources for home monitoring, see our simple steps to get an accurate reading and make the most out of home monitoring.

To control your blood pressure, the primary action is to become aware of your readings! View our video to learn how to take your blood pressure measurements at home, and utilize our advice and materials provided below to monitor your blood pressure at home.

Before you measure your blood pressure

1. Avoid things that can raise your blood pressure in the short term: It is recommended to avoid measuring your blood pressure within 30 minutes of eating, smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee, or engaging in physical activity as they may result in a temporary increase in blood pressure. Prior to taking your reading, it’s also advisable to use the restroom.
2. Wear loose-fitting clothes: It is advisable to wear a short-sleeved shirt or an item of clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up, and not tight-fitting, to allow for proper placement of the cuff around your arm.
3. Take a rest for five minutes before measuring your blood pressure: Find a quiet place to sit, preferably at a desk or table, and ensure that your back is supported while your arm rests on a firm surface and your feet are flat on the floor. Maintain this position throughout the blood pressure measurement process.
4. Make sure your arm is supported and at the same level as your heart: Place your arm on a surface that is level with your heart to achieve proper alignment. Keep your arm and hand in a relaxed, non-tense state.
5. Make sure you are relaxed and comfortable: Feeling uneasy or uncomfortable may result in a temporary increase in your blood pressure.

The process of measuring your blood pressure at home utilizing a home monitor:

1. Follow the instructions that came with your monitor: Make sure you place the cuff around your arm as described in the instructions.
2. Place the arm cuff just above your elbow: The cuff should be about 2cm above your elbow to make sure it can detect the artery in your arm, just under the skin. 
3. Keep still and quiet while you take your reading: Moving, chewing, talking and laughing can affect your reading. Make sure you don’t cross your legs, as this will raise your reading too.
4. Take two or three readings, each about one to two minutes apart: If your first reading is much higher than the next, ignore it and take an extra reading. Once you have two to three readings, you can work out the average. 
5. Keep a record of your measurements: Record all your readings in the memory of your monitor, on your computer or phone or on paper – whichever you prefer. Write them down exactly as they appear on screen. 

When you first start using your home monitor

When starting to use a home blood pressure monitor, it is recommended to measure your blood pressure in the morning and evening every day for a week. Take three readings in the morning, with each reading spaced one to two minutes apart, and do the same in the evening, recording all the readings. To obtain an average reading, add the two readings together and divide by two. If you use all three readings, divide by three. If the first reading is significantly higher than the others, discard it. It is advisable to disregard the readings from the first day, as they may not be entirely accurate due to unfamiliarity with the monitor. Keeping a record of your readings in this manner can provide useful information about your blood pressure patterns, which your doctor may request if they suspect you have high blood pressure and require more information before making a diagnosis.

After the first week

After obtaining a week’s worth of blood pressure readings, it may be appropriate to reduce the frequency of measurements to once every one to two weeks, as advised by your doctor or nurse. Measuring it too frequently may not be necessary. If your blood pressure has remained stable for an extended period of time, you may only need to measure it every four to six months, with guidance from your healthcare provider. However, there may be instances when you may want to measure your blood pressure more often, such as when starting a new medication or increasing the dosage, to monitor the effects of the change. Additionally, it can be helpful to keep a record of your blood pressure readings for four to seven days before a scheduled clinic visit so that you can share them with your doctor.

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