How to use a home blood pressure monitor
Download a PDF sheet that shows you how to measure your blood pressure properly. Also available in Spanish and Chinese. Show
Know your numbersLearn what the numbers in your blood pressure reading mean.
Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A doctor should also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings. Download this chart: English Jpeg | English PDF | Spanish Jpeg | Spanish PDF | Traditional Chinese Jpeg | Traditional Chinese (PDF) If you get a high blood pressure reading
AHA RecommendationThe American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for all people with high blood pressure to help the healthcare provider determine whether treatments are working. Home monitoring (self-measured blood pressure) is not a substitute for regular visits to your physician. If you have been prescribed medication to lower your blood pressure, don't stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor, even if your blood pressure readings are in the normal range during home monitoring. Choosing a home blood pressure monitorThe American Heart Association recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep (upper-arm) monitor.
Once you’ve purchased your monitor, bring it to your next appointmentHave your doctor check to see that you are using it correctly and getting the same results as the equipment in the office. Plan to bring your monitor in once a year to make sure the readings are accurate. Home blood pressure monitoring may be especially useful for:
Left-arm vs. right-arm blood pressureSeveral studies have been done to determine what is a normal variation between right and left arm. In general, any difference of 10 mm Hg or less is considered normal and is not a cause for concern. Why keep a blood pressure journal?One blood pressure measurement is like a snapshot. It only tells what your blood pressure is at that moment. A record of readings taken over time provides a “time-lapse” picture of your blood pressure that can help you partner with your physician to ensure that your treatments to lower high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) are working. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. Can you check blood pressure without equipment?The most accurate way to measure blood pressure is using a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff or machine) and stethoscope. While there are ways you can check your blood pressure at home using only your pulse and no equipment, these methods are unreliable and not recommended.
How do you check your blood pressure with your fingers?Place the fingers on the inside of the wrist to locate the pulse. Now, take two fingers (preferably index and middle fingers) and place them just below the wrist creases on the thumb side of the hand. A strong pulse felt at the wrist correlates to a systolic blood pressure of at least 80 mmHg.
How can I check my own blood pressure at home?How to measure your blood pressure at home using a home monitor. Follow the instructions that came with your monitor. ... . Place the arm cuff just above your elbow. ... . Keep still and quiet while you take your reading. ... . Take two or three readings, each about one to two minutes apart. ... . Keep a record of your measurements.. What are the 2 ways to check blood pressure?The typical way to measure blood pressure is using a sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure monitor, which consists of a measuring unit and a cuff. If a person uses a manual device, they will also need a stethoscope. People can buy a blood pressure machine to use at home or visit a doctor or pharmacy for testing.
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