Improving Blood Pressure Monitoring Accuracy At Home: 5 Tips To Follow

Managing blood pressure is quite challenging for many people. With a blood pressure monitor at home, you can find it easier to record your blood pressure readings with a lot of accuracy. Here are 5 tips that you can follow, to make BP monitoring more accurate:

Use the right monitor

First and foremost, get a validated monitor, reviewed independently for accuracy. You should try to avoid the use of BP monitors that use cuffs on your fingertip or wrist.

Look for a proper cuff size

Try to measure your upper arm circumference, midway between your shoulder and elbow. The reader can be artificially high if you use a blood pressure monitor with too small cuff. The reading can be false and low with a loose cuffed monitor.

Prepare right

Here are some things to follow:

• Do not take readings within 30 minutes of working out, consuming caffeinated beverages, smoking or eating.

• Do not monitor on a full bladder, as your BP readings can be high.

• While monitoring, sit comfortably with both feet on floor, legs uncrossed, and back supported.

• Avoid the use of electronic devices or talking on them while taking readings.

• Put your cuff on your bare skin, with no clothing layer or anything coming in between. Place it in such a way that the middle area of your cuff stays at heart level.

Do not settle with a single reading

Two readings should be taken at least 1 minute apart. Track BP readings and record them with the built-in memory of your blood pressure monitor or by using a printable tracker.

Consult your doctor

It is essential for you to have a talk with your physician. Discuss how frequently you need to monitor your BP and what your blood pressure results actually indicate.

By following these 5 tips, you can monitor your BP at home with full accuracy.