How to Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
Who Should Monitor Blood Pressure at Home?
The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for anyone with high blood pressure as a valuable way to assess whether treatments are effective. Using your Pulse, you can track your readings consistently and share insights with your healthcare professional.
Home monitoring can also help confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure, offering a more complete picture of your cardiovascular health. However, it’s important to remember that home monitoring complements, but does not replace, regular doctor visits. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any changes to your blood pressure medication, regardless of your readings at home.
Monitoring at Home Is Especially Important For:
- Anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure.
- People starting or changing high blood pressure treatment to find if it’s working.
- People who need closer monitoring. This is especially true for people with risk factors for high blood pressure and/or conditions related to high blood pressure.
How to Use the Pulse as a Home Blood Pressure Monitor
Discuss how to use your Pulse with your health care professional. It’s important to have them make sure that you have the correct cuff size and fit. A cuff that is the incorrect size will cause an inaccurate blood pressure reading.
When preparing to take your blood pressure:
- Plan ahead. Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Empty your bladder.
- Don’t take the measurement over clothes. Remove the clothing over the arm that will be used to measure blood pressure.
- You can use either arm. Usually there is not a big difference between readings on them.
- Be still. Allow at least five minutes of quiet rest before measurements. Don’t talk or use the phone.
- Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs. Support your arm on a flat surface. The middle of the cuff should be placed on the upper arm at heart level. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration or have your health care professional show you how.
- Measure at the same time every day. Take the readings at the same time each day. Talk with your health care professional about how often to take your blood pressure.
- Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two readings one minute apart.
Take Charge of Your Health
Home blood pressure monitoring is a simple but powerful tool for managing your heart health. It helps track how well treatments are working, provides critical information for your healthcare professional, and empowers you to take proactive steps toward healthier blood pressure levels.
By choosing the right monitor, using it correctly, and keeping a consistent routine, you can stay informed and in control. Always share your results with your healthcare team and discuss any concerns. Small, consistent steps can make a big impact on your cardiovascular health.
Your Task for Today
Plan to use your Pulse to take your blood pressure every day this week, including today, following the steps outlined above. Focus on accurate readings by preparing properly and recording your results to share with your healthcare professional.
Example: “I’ll use my Pulse to take my blood pressure reading every morning before breakfast this week and discuss the results with my healthcare provider at my next visit.”
Reminder: After completing today’s task, tap “Mark Complete” to track your progress and keep moving forward in your program!