How to Properly Check Your Blood Pressure At Home
The ability to monitor one’s own basic health stats at home cannot be overstated; time and awareness saves lives, especially for those with a cardiovascular condition such as hypertension. With a simple routine measurement, you can easily track your blood pressure and know when it may be time to seek out professional medical treatment before your health begins a more serious decline.
So, without further ado, let’s learn the basic steps you need to know!
Steps to Proper Blood Pressure Measurement
Obtain a blood pressure monitor (ask pharmacist if unsure of style of monitor). Read the instructions that come with your monitor on how to properly take the blood pressure; never put the blood pressure cuff over your clothes.
Rest for approximately 5 minutes before taking blood pressure to ensure a more accurate reading.
Sit correctly with your back straight and your arm supported on a flat surface like a table. Do not cross your legs.
Monitor your blood pressure daily unless instructed otherwise by a physician. Document the measurement and the time of day that your blood pressure was taken in a dated log. It does not have to be at the same time every day, unless instructed to do so.
What’s Next?
If the blood pressure readings are too high or too low, wait 5 minutes and repeat the measurement. If it remains abnormal reach out to your PCP or make an appointment with me.
Remember:
A normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80.
Anything well above or below a normal, healthy reading is always worth consulting with your physician about for your well-being.
If there are any blood pressure concerns, please feel free to make an appointment with me at any time here on Dynamic Healthcare.
I hope this helps!
Dr. Sandy Moreno
For further information please refer to:
https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/index.htm
