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At-home, digital blood pressure monitors can be worn on the wrist or upper arm, depending on what model you choose. An automated blood pressure machine may be ideal for most since it only requires one person to use it, provides accurate readings and is easy to use. You can find affordable blood pressure machines online and at most grocery stores or local pharmacies. But even if your readings at your doctor’s office are normal, Dr. Distel suggests taking your blood pressure at home to make sure it’s still in the safe range. Talk with your health care team about regularly measuring your blood pressure at home, also called self-measured blood pressure monitoring.
And if you have diabetes, your scrapes, sores, or wounds tend to heal slower. Avoid caffeine and alcohol at least 30 minutes prior to your reading. Rest for a couple of minutes before taking your blood pressure. In time, it can damage your vital organs, such as your heart, kidneys, and brain.
Here’s How You Can Take Your Blood Pressure at Home!
If your blood pressure is still high, consider comparing readings with the other arm.Mistakes can happen while taking your blood pressure, especially if you are not used to doing it. As such, it is important to double-check your findings by taking a second measurement. One blood pressure measurement is like a snapshot. It only tells what your blood pressure is at that moment. Take multiple readings and record the results.
These types of blood pressure cuffs have a digital monitor that will show the reading on a screen. You can buy these online, at most grocery stores, or at a health food store. Even a small reduction of sodium in the diet can improve heart health and reduce high blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg. Potassium in the diet can lessen the effects of salt on blood pressure. The best sources of potassium are foods, such as fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements.
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Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing. A rolled-up sleeve that's tight around your arm can affect the reading. You may need to slip your arm out of the sleeve.
For most women, Dr. Zusman recommends taking two to three blood pressure readings in the morning and two to three readings at night, a few times a week. Don't go overboard and take your blood pressure constantly. "You become so focused on your blood pressure that every time the cuff comes near your arm your blood pressure goes up just from the anxiety," says Dr. Zusman.
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Before taking your blood pressure, make sure you’re relaxed. Position your arm straight, palm facing up on a level surface, such as a table. Even if you check your blood pressure at home, your doctor will still want to manually check it during appointments. With a manual monitor, you'll have to squeeze the bulb to inflate the cuff, and then deflate the cuff slowly. An automatic monitor will inflate by itself when you press a button. After sitting quietly for five minutes, wrap the cuff snugly around the upper part of your bare arm.
If you can wiggle the two fingertips under the top edge but cannot wedge your full fingers beneath the cuff, the cuff is tight enough. If you can wedge your full fingers under the cuff then you need to open up the cuff and pull it tighter before closing it again. Pregnant women, experiencing pregnancy-induced hypertension and/or preeclampsia. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice or find options at validatebp.org. Also, make sure your bladder is empty, as a full one can temporarily raise blood pressure.
How to measure your blood pressure at home using a home monitor
"If someone is at higher risk – for example, they smoke or have diabetes – then they should be started on blood pressure-lowering medication," he said. Some medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers called NSAIDs and common decongestants, can elevate blood pressure. Alcohol, caffeine, smoking, salt intake and stress can, too. Although there are apps that promise to check your blood pressure without using equipment, this isn’t an accurate or reliable method.
Stay in this position while you take your blood pressure. Avoid things that can raise your blood pressure in the short term. Don’t measure your blood pressure within half an hour of eating, smoking, drinking caffeinated drinks such as coffee, or exercising. These can all raise your blood pressure temporarily. If you need to use the toilet, go before you measure your blood pressure. The first step to managing your blood pressure is to Know Your Numbers!
Your doctor will retest your blood pressure to make sure your readings are accurate. If you do have hypertension, or prehypertension, your doctor will make recommendations for lowering your blood pressure. Do not smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. It's important to use a cuff that fits your arm. Cuffs that are too small can artificially raise your blood pressure reading. There might be times when you want to measure your blood pressure more often.
Position your left arm so that it rests at about heart level. Keep the palm of your hand facing up.Sit up straight. Your back should be against the back of the chair and your legs should be uncrossed. People requiring closer monitoring, especially individuals with risk factors for high blood pressure and/or conditions related to high blood pressure. Make sure the cuff fits — measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct size cuff.
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