Many people only check BP at the clinic. But a single reading, taken when you are rushing or worried, can be misleading. Home readings give a truer picture. Here is how to take them properly.
Choose the right machine
Use a validated upper-arm automatic BP monitor with a cuff of the right size. Wrist and finger devices are less reliable. Ask your doctor to check your machine against the clinic one.
Before measuring
- Do not smoke, exercise, drink tea or coffee for 30 minutes before.
- Empty your bladder.
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes.
Steps
- Sit upright in a chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor.
- Rest your arm on a table at heart level, with the cuff on bare skin.
- Do not talk or move during the measurement.
- Take two readings, one minute apart, and note both.
- Do this in the morning before medicines and in the evening, for 7 days before your doctor visit.
What to record
Write the date, time, and both readings. Your doctor usually averages the readings of several days, skipping the first day.
Typical targets
For many adults, home BP below 130/80 is a good goal. Your doctor may set a different target for you, particularly if you are older or have other conditions.
Common mistakes
- Cuff over clothing or too loose.
- Legs crossed, back unsupported.
- Measuring right after climbing stairs.
- Checking too many times a day, which creates worry.
When to call your doctor
Readings repeatedly above 160/100, or any high reading with chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache, weakness, confusion or vision change, needs urgent care. Call 108 in an emergency.
If you live in Gopanpally, Gowlidoddi, Nallagandla or Tellapur, or work in the Financial District or Nanakramguda, you can get your blood pressure and heart risk checked at our clinic in Gachibowli, open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM. Contact us to book.
Keep reading
Your family doctor,
Akhila Reddy
MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine) | TSMC Reg. No. APMC/FMR/74261
AMC Hospital, Gopanpally, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
This article is for general health education and does not replace a check-up. Every person is different, so please speak to your doctor before changing any medicine. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.
References
- Stergiou GS et al. 2021 European Society of Hypertension practice guidelines for office and out-of-office blood pressure measurement. J Hypertens 2021;39(7):1293-1302.
- Whelton PK et al. 2017 ACC/AHA guideline for high blood pressure in adults. Hypertension 2018;71:e13-e115.
- World Health Organization. Hypertension fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension