Monitoring your blood pressure is an important part of your treatment regimen if you’re suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure). But if all you do is jump into a blood pressure machine once in a while, then you’re not doing enough.
Blood pressure fluctuates during the day. If you take a reading in the morning, it’s going to be different at noon and after dark. It also goes up or down depending on your activities during the day.
You need to monitor your blood pressure throughout the day and week. It’s important to keep a record on the readings you get, as it can tell you (and your doctor) whether or not the hypertension treatment regimen you’re on is working, and whether any changes in treatment or lifestyle is needed.
At home, blood pressure can be measured using either an aneroid monitor or a digital monitor. Both are devices that measure your blood pressure through a cuff worn on the upper arm.
Aneroid monitors give readings through a dial, and are generally cheaper than digital monitors. They are, however, susceptible to damage and need to be calibrated at least once a year. Digital monitors are more expensive to buy and maintain, but are easier to use and generally gives more accurate readings. Some models can even produce printouts of each reading.
When buying a blood pressure monitor, make sure that the cuff size is right for your arm. If it’s not, it may result in inaccurate readings. Some aneroid monitors have stethoscopes bundled with them, so such models may not be the best ones for those hard-of-hearing. Your doctor or nurse can teach you how to use a particular model and check it for accuracy.
Whichever type of monitor you choose, using it involves the same basic steps. In the half-hour before taking a reading, don’t take any caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco. Also refrain from any activity, even talking, five minutes before taking the reading. And if you feel the slightest need to go to the bathroom, do so before proceeding.
In taking the reading, sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor and your back upright. Your arm should be elevated to the level of your heart – you might need a high table or other surface for this.
Wrap the cuff around the upper part of your bare arm. It should be a snug fit, but should also be loose enough to slip one finger in. The bottom edge of the cuff should be about one inch from the crease of your elbow. From here, follow the instructions in taking your blood pressure, which varies with the blood pressure monitor level and your doctors’ instructions.
Monitoring your blood pressure regularly is important for any treatment regimen, most particularly my own Hypertension Program. After all, after doing the exercises in my blood pressure program, it’s the best way to see your readings normalize to 120/80 mmHg levels – for good!
Warm Regards,
Christian Goodman