A Guide to Check Your Blood Pressure Accurately At Home
A Hypertension patient needs to track his blood pressure regularly. Being able to check your blood pressure at home makes this task easier as it cuts down the hassles of rushing to the doctor every now and then. But, the problem is that the results may not be accurate and dependable if the right procedure is not followed. So, here’s a guide to track your blood pressure accurately at home.
Choose the right Blood Pressure monitor.
- Find the type of sphygmomanometer (BP Monitor) that is the most suitable for you.
- We suggest an automatic, upper-arm, cuff type blood pressure monitor to use at home. Although, wrist and finger type monitors are also readily available in the market, we recommend sticking to cuff type monitors for the most accurate results.
- Manual type blood pressure monitor can be considered, but only in the case when you have some assistance from a trained health worker.
- Patients of cardiac arrhythmias, arteriosclerosis, pulsus alternates, pulsus paradoxes, and pregnancy induced hypertension are advised to use a manual sphygmomanometer instead of the digital one.
- Sphygmomanometer you choose must be approved by various International Standards.
- Choosing the right cuff size is essential for precise results. Given below is a table suggesting the accurate cuff size for you:
| Mid-Arm measurement in centimeters | Cuff Size |
| 17 to 22 | Small |
| 23 to 32 | Medium |
| 33 to 42 | Large |
- It is advised to get the monitor verified by a doctor before using it.
Take the readings at the right time.
- Blood pressure should be checked twice a day, in the morning before taking breakfast and once in the evening.
- Record the readings at least after thirty minutes of consuming food, caffeine, tobacco or alcohol.
- It is recommended to take the readings with a clean bowel for more accurate results.
What to keep in mind?
- One must sit in a comfortable chair and rest one’s arm at the level same as that of his heart.
- Cuff of sphygmomanometer should be placed on upper left arm, an inch above the bend of the elbow.
- Keep a check at the tubing; it should fall over the front centre of your arm.
- Do not place the cuff on clothing, but on the bare skin of your upper arm.
- It is necessary to take two or three readings within a minute’s gap to ensure that the readings are accurate.
- Readings must be taken at the same time every day.
It is quiet easy and convenient to track your blood pressure effortlessly at home once you are acquainted with the correct way to measure it. Although, these readings are dependable, visiting a doctor once in a while should not be omitted to avoid any complications. Hypertension patient should never alter medications without consulting a doctor, even when you get normal readings.
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Hypertension- The Silent Killer
5 Easy Lifestyle Changes To Fight Hypertension
Adopt A Dash Diet To Beat Hypertension
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.
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