"If the average over a full week is high, there's reason for people to talk to their doctors. "Blood pressure fluctuates a lot, so a patient shouldn't worry about one high reading," Muntner said. Muntner recommended people check their blood pressure at the same time each day, such as twice in the morning and twice in the evening for one week, then talk with their doctor about the results. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, salt intake and stress can, too. Some medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers called NSAIDs and common decongestants, can elevate blood pressure. Resist the urge to talk or look at a cellphone.Īlso, make sure your bladder is empty, as a full one can temporarily raise blood pressure. Relax for about five minutes before taking a measurement.
Make sure the bottom of the cuff is directly above the bend of the elbow. With the cuff on your bare arm, sit in an upright position with back supported, feet flat on the floor and your arm supported at heart level. Cuffs that are too small can artificially raise your blood pressure reading. It's important to use a cuff that fits your arm. How do I get the most accurate measurement?ĭo not smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Your health care provider should check the device about once a year to ensure its accuracy. "When blood pressure monitors cannot transmit readings to a patient's doctor, the next best thing is to have a device that stores the blood pressure readings," said Paul Muntner, professor of epidemiology and associate dean for research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Some will store readings, calculate an average blood pressure over time, or even transmit them to your doctor. Simply put on the cuff and press a button. The device should measure blood pressure on the upper arm, which produce a more reliable result than those that measure from the wrist. The Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, the British Hypertension Society and the European Society of Hypertension also certify devices. Michael Hochman, a doctor of internal medicine at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California.Ī list of validated home monitors, the first in the United States and commissioned to meet the American Medical Association's criteria, is available at. "The readings you get at home are really important, because they reflect the pressure your heart is facing on a day-to-day basis," said Dr. How do I select a home blood pressure monitor?
So, with more people at home practicing social distancing and with fewer chances to check blood pressure at public pharmacy machines or doctor visits, it's more important than ever to know how to do it at home. It's also common among people who develop severe COVID-19 symptoms. High blood pressure is one of the top risk factors for heart attack and stroke.