Measuring Blood Pressure At Home

First reason why your doctor would ask you to perform blood pressure readings at home could be the well-known term "white coat hypertension." It indicates the incrementt of blood pressure level when measured in clinical conditions (e.g., doctor's office). This occurs due to stress and discomfort that some patients feel on this occasion. It is estimated that, with some patients, blood pressure measured this way can be up to 30mmHg higher than the one patient usually has. It is often considered that measurements performed by a physician have the advantage in the fact that they already "include" the stress that is normally felt during the day. However, for your doctor, a very useful information is also - how patient's blood pressure goes through the day, in conditions that are not stressful.

First, you need a blood pressure monitor. These devices are not covered by health insurance, so - if you are willing to take the pressure readings, you may have to purchase device out of your pocket. Most likely you will take a digital monitor, since the monitors based on the use of mercury are getting out of use. In addition, digital monitors (either automatic or semiautomatic) are easier to use. It would be the best to choose a device designed for readings made on your upper arm, as they are more reliable than those that measure blood pressure on the wrist or finger. Strips that are placed around the arm are designed to cover people with "standard" measures of arm perimeter - if you need longer cuff, note it to the seller.

Before the first measurement, prepare a table to write results (or use some of the online pressure logs). To achieve accurate measurements, try to perform them always in similar conditions, in the room where you can be alone for a couple of minutes. Half an hour before the reading do not smoke, drink coffee or overwork. If necessary, go to the toilet - full bladder may increase your blood pressure. Then sit back and relax a bit. Straighten the arm on which you will take the reading, and place it on a flat surface, at heart level (e.g. - on the table in front of you). Inflate the cuff to a level that is about 20mmHg higher than the level of systolic (higher) pressure that you expect (usually that means - from the level of the last measured pressure). Then activate the monitor and let the air out of the cuff. Don't forget - blood pressure can differ on the left and right arm! When you do the readings for the first time, pick the arm with higher results, and use that arm from now on.

When recording the results, it is usually recommended to discard the first reading and enter the result of the second one, or - note the average value of the second and third measurement if you measure three times. Be sure to consult your doctor about the methodology. Finally, write down the final result and the measurement time. If you have a note that would be important for explaining the obtained result, add a note about it (i.e. - "I had a rough day at work", "Forgot to take a medicine this morning").

The most important thing is to be honest when recording results. Some people tend to round results up or down. Don't do that. Accurate results will help your doctor to determine the right therapy. Don't forget - the willingness to regularly and objectively monitor your condition is the test of your level of self-discipline, and this is an important element of treatment.