Blood pressure testing is an important part of general health care. It’s a very effective tool for identifying your risk of developing heart disease or stroke.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for one-third of all deaths worldwide, and high blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Rates of high blood pressure are on the rise across the developed world, and more and more people are being recommended regular blood pressure testing at home.
Blood Pressure Testing at Home
You should have your blood pressure monitored at most of your GP/Medical check ups but, as these visits may be weeks or months apart, it’s a good idea to use an at-home Blood Pressure Monitor to keep an eye on your levels more regularly.
Don’t be alarmed by the idea of home testing. It’s an incredibly easy, straightforward thing to do that can really help to keep your health and wellbeing in check.
How to measure accurately at home
Check your blood pressure in the morning and evening to gauge your normal resting rate. The NHS Blood Pressure Checker has a useful tool for checking and understanding your blood pressure monitor readings.
If you’re a relatively healthy adult you should only need to check your blood pressure once a month. If you have any underlying conditions you may need to check more often and you should discuss the frequency with your GP.
How to get started
For the most accurate reading make sure your blood pressure monitor is working well and the batteries are fully charged or in full condition.
For a full 30 minutes before you take your reading you should:
- Avoid caffeine
- Avoid food
- Not exercise or exert yourself so your heart rate is elevated.
- Avoid smoking
All of these things will adversely affect your readings
- Sit comfortably with your feet lying flat on the floor
- Always use the same arm to record your blood pressure.
- Rest your arm on a table or the arm of your chair, making sure it is level with your heart and chest.
- Face the palm of your hand upwards
- Attach the cuff 2cm above the crook of your elbow
- Press start on the blood pressure monitor and relax
While the monitor is recording your blood pressure levels you should:
Avoid talking, moving, texting, drinking etc
Your blood pressure monitor will likely have a digital record of your readings, but it’s always good to keep a manual monitor of your figures as well to show to your GP at your next appointment. Variations and fluctuations in your blood pressure are normal, but over time you will be able to see a pattern that will inform your GP or consultant of any significant changes or concerns.
Check out our handy video guide to accurately measuring your blood pressure at home.
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February 2023