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Checking your blood pressure at home is an important part of managing high blood pressure. Find out how to use home monitors accurately. By Mayo Clinic StaffChecking blood pressure at home is an important part of managing high blood pressure (hypertension). The American Heart Association (AHA) and other organizations recommend that people with high blood pressure monitor their blood pressure at home. Regularly checking blood pressure at home helps your care providers determine if treatment is working. Home blood pressure monitors are available widely and without a prescription. But it's important to know how to find a good home blood pressure monitor and to use it correctly. Why do I need to monitor my blood pressure at home?Monitoring your blood pressure at home can:
Not everyone can track blood pressure at home. For those with irregular heartbeats, home blood pressure monitors might not give an accurate reading. Types of home monitorsMost pharmacies, medical supply stores and some websites sell home blood pressure monitors. Experts recommend an automatic or electronic device. Your health care provider can help you pick the monitor that's best for you. Blood pressure monitors generally have the same basic parts:
Digital monitors that are fitted on the upper arm are generally the most accurate. Some people with very large arms may not have access to a well-fitting upper arm cuff at home. If so, measuring blood pressure at the wrist or lower arm may be OK if used as directed and checked against measurements taken in your provider's office. For the most reliable blood pressure measurement, the American Heart Association recommends using a monitor with a cuff that goes around your upper arm, when available. For people who can't check blood pressure at home, many pharmacies and stores have public blood pressure devices. The accuracy of these devices may vary. Features to considerWhen choosing a blood pressure monitor, consider:
Device accuracyOnce a year, check the accuracy of your monitor by bringing it to your provider's office and comparing your monitor's readings with those taken at the office. Tips for accurate useNo matter what type of home blood pressure monitor you choose, proper use requires training and practice. Take the device to your health care provider to make sure the one you've chosen is the best fit for you. Learn to use the monitor correctly. To help ensure accurate blood pressure monitoring at home:
Blood pressure varies throughout the day. Readings are often a little higher in the morning. Also, your blood pressure might be slightly lower at home than in a medical office. Contact your health care provider if you have any unusual increases in your blood pressure or if your blood pressure stays higher than usual. Ask your provider at what reading you should call the medical office right away. Tracking your blood pressure readingsSome people use a notebook to record their blood pressure readings. If you have an electronic personal health record, you might choose to record your information using a computer or mobile device. This gives you the option of sharing your readings with your health care providers and family members. Some blood pressure monitors upload this data automatically. Long-term benefitsIf your blood pressure is well controlled, ask your health care provider how often you need to check it. You might be able to check it only once a day or less often. If you're just starting home monitoring or changing treatment, your provider might recommend checking blood pressure starting two weeks after treatment changes and a week before your next appointment. Home blood pressure monitoring is not a substitute for medical visits. Home blood pressure monitors might not always be correct. Even if you get readings that are typical for you, don't stop or change your medications or your diet without talking to your care provider first. However, if continued home monitoring shows your blood pressure is under control, you might be able to make fewer medical visits. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips
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. How can I check my blood pressure without a machine?Place your index and middle finger of your hand on the inner wrist of the other arm, just below the base of the thumb. You should feel a tapping or pulsing against your fingers. Count the number of taps you feel in 10 seconds. Multiply that number by 6 to find out your heart-rate for one minute.
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.
Can I check blood pressure on my phone?Currently, phone apps cannot actually check a person's blood pressure. This is where the claims of these apps can be harmful, since there is no evidence this technology is accurate or viable.
Can you check your blood pressure yourself manually?There are two ways to measure your blood pressure at home. The simplest way is to use an automated blood pressure cuff, which you can purchase online or at most grocery stores or drugstores. This method is recommended by the AHA for at-home blood pressure monitoring. You can also measure your blood pressure manually.
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How can you check your blood pressure at home
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