High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a disease which affects over 1.3 billion people across the world. It is a significant risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases and other health complications. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial for detecting changes early and taking appropriate actions. In this post, we'll explore the insights from several reputable sources to provide you with a comprehensive guide to blood pressure monitoring at home and answer the most popular questions about blood pressure monitoring.
1. Understanding blood pressure readings
The American Heart Association [1] emphasizes the importance of comprehending blood pressure measurement to manage your cardiovascular health effectively. Blood pressure is typically expressed as two numbers: systolic blood pressure (the higher number) and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number). Systolic blood pressure represents the force exerted on artery walls when the heart beats, while diastolic blood pressure signifies the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
The following ranges are suggested by the American Heart Association to interpret blood pressure readings:
- Normal: Systolic < 120 mm Hg and Diastolic < 80 mm Hg
- Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mm Hg and Diastolic < 80 mm Hg
- Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic 130-139 mm Hg or Diastolic 80-89 mm Hg
- Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic ≥ 140 mm Hg or Diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg
- Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic > 180 mm Hg and/or Diastolic > 120 mm Hg
2. Monitoring blood pressure at home
The Mayo Clinic provides valuable insights into monitoring blood pressure at home. Home monitoring offers several benefits, including:
a. Increased accuracy: Blood pressure readings can be affected by factors like stress, caffeine, and the "white coat effect" (elevated readings due to doctor's office anxiety). Home monitoring provides a more accurate representation of your everyday blood pressure
b. Early detection: Regular monitoring allows you to detect any deviations from your baseline readings early, enabling prompt medical intervention if necessary.
c. Personal empowerment: Taking an active role in monitoring your blood pressure empowers you to make informed lifestyle choices that positively impact your heart health.
3. Why is home blood pressure monitoring important?
Regular blood pressure monitoring at home is important because it can help you to:
Identify high blood pressure early on, before it causes any damage to your health.
Track your blood pressure over time to see how it is responding to treatment.
Make sure that your treatment is working and that your blood pressure is under control.
Detect any changes in your blood pressure that may need to be addressed.
Help your doctor make decisions about your treatment.
Home blood pressure monitoring is the best way to track your blood pressure over time. It is also more convenient than going to the doctor's office to have your blood pressure taken.
4. What are the guidelines for accurate blood pressure readings?
- Choose a validated home blood pressure monitor.
- Measure at the same time each day.
- Rest for at least 5 minutes before measuring.
- Sit with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
- Avoid talking during the measurement.
- Take multiple readings and calculate the average.
5. How to Perform Home Blood Pressure Monitoring?
The American Academy of Family Physicians [2] outlines simple steps for effective home blood pressure monitoring:
a. Prepare: Relax for a few minutes before measuring. Avoid caffeine, smoking, and exercise for 30 minutes prior.
b. Position: Sit correctly with your arm supported and your back straight.
c. Cuff Placement: Place the cuff on your bare upper arm, just above the elbow, with the bottom edge an inch above your elbow crease.
d. Measurement: Follow the monitor's instructions to initiate the measurement. Remain still and quiet during the process.
e. Recording: Record the date, time, and readings in a log. Share this log with your healthcare provider during visits.
6. How do digital blood pressure monitors work?
Digital monitors are more popular for measuring blood pressure. They often are easier to use than aneroid units. The digital monitor has a gauge and stethoscope in one unit. It also has an error indicator. The blood pressure reading displays on a small screen. This may be easier to read than a dial. Some units even have a paper printout that gives you a record of the reading.
Inflation of the cuff is either automatic or manual, depending on the model. Deflation is automatic. Digital monitors are good for hearing-impaired patients, since there is no need to listen to your heartbeat through the stethoscope.
7. How to use a blood pressure monitor?
There are many different types of blood pressure monitors available, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.
When you are choosing a blood pressure monitor, look for one that has been validated by the American Heart Association or the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. These organizations have tested the monitors to make sure that they are accurate. If you live outside of the United States find out which government organization validates blood pressure monitors in your country and use the one from the approved list.
Preferably buy a blood pressure monitor with a Bluetooth connection which allows you to link it with an iPhone or an Android phone and send your data directly to a blood pressure tracker app.
Here are the steps on how to use a blood pressure monitor:
Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor.
Relax for five minutes before you take your blood pressure.
Wrap the blood pressure cuff around your upper arm, making sure that it is snug but not too tight.
Press the start button on the blood pressure monitor.
The monitor will inflate the cuff and then release it.
The monitor will display your blood pressure readings.
Take your blood pressure twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Write down your readings each time so that you can track them over time. Alternatively save them in a blood pressure log app.
8. What are the tips for getting accurate blood pressure readings?
- Use the same blood pressure monitor every time you take your blood pressure.
-Take your blood pressure at the same time each day.
- Don't talk or move while you are taking your blood pressure.
- If you are taking medication for high blood pressure, take it as prescribed by your doctor.
- Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two readings one minute apart and record the results using a blood pressure tracker.
If you follow these tips, you can be sure that you are getting accurate blood pressure readings. This will help you to manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.
9. How to interpret your blood pressure readings and act on them?
Interpreting your blood pressure readings is essential for taking appropriate actions. If your readings consistently fall within the normal range, maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle to prevent hypertension. Elevated or high readings should prompt you to:
a. Consult Your Doctor: Share your home blood pressure log with your healthcare provider for analysis and guidance.
b. Lifestyle Modifications: Embrace a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, limit sodium intake, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol.
c. Medication Adherence: If prescribed medication, take it as directed and attend follow-up appointments.
10. What to do If you get a high blood pressure reading?
If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see whether your pressure comes down on its own. Immediately call for medical assistance.
A single high reading is not an immediate cause for alarm. If you get a reading that is slightly or moderately higher than normal, take your blood pressure a second time and write the results of the two measurements down. Consult your health care professional to verify if there’s a health concern or whether there may be any issues with your monitor.
If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and test again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your health care professional immediately.
11. Who benefits most from home blood pressure monitoring?
Anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure
Individuals starting high blood pressure treatment to determine its effectiveness.
Individuals with risk factors for high blood pressure.
Pregnant women experiencing pregnancy-induced hypertension.
People who only have high readings at the health care professional's office (“white coat” hypertension).
People who only have high readings at home but not at the health care professional’s office (“masked” hypertension).