How to measure your blood pressure at home
Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of a busy doctor’s surgery, you may find your blood pressure readings always seem a bit higher than usual. This is called “ white coat hypertension” and it’s very common. To figure out whether you actually have a problem or not, your GP may recommend that you get a 24 hour blood pressure monitor, or else check your blood pressure at home with an automatic blood pressure monitor, and bring a list of measurements to your next appointment. The GP may use these readings to make decisions about treatment with you. Whilst they won’t necessarily act on one high reading, consistently high readings may warrant action.
It’s important to buy a reliable monitor, ideally from a reputable pharmacy or outlet. The British Hypertension Society have recommended monitors that are suitable for home use: http://bhsoc.org/bp-monitors/bp-monitors/for-home-use/
You need to make sure that the cuff is the right size for your arm, so read the instructions carefully.
What does my blood pressure reading mean?
Your BP reading will come as 2 numbers, one on top (systolic) of the other (diastolic). Systolic is the pressure in your arteries when your heart pumps blood out, diastolic is the pressure in the arteries when your heart is relaxed and re-filling with blood. Generally, 140/90 is considered the cut off- higher levels than this may mean that hypertension (high blood pressure) is present.
Learning a good technique:
It’s important to get a trained professional such as your practice nurse to teach you. Also get them to check that you’re doing it right once a year or so.
Relax before you take your reading- no tea, coffee or cigarettes for 30 minutes beforehand. Choose somewhere comfortable, quiet and free of distractions. Sit with your legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor, upper arm bare and arm and back supported by the chair.
Get settled for 5 minutes, then take your reading.
Take 2 readings at least a minute apart and record both. If you’re tech savvy, download one of the free apps that let you keep your BP readings!
Whenever you take a reading, try and keep the conditions and time of day the same.
Don’t take the reading if you’re stressed, in pain or uncomfortable.
Take your readings with you when you visit your doctor and if treatment is needed, they can advise you accordingly.
Sometimes lifestyle changes may be appropriate before reaching for the prescription pad. But if the levels are well above normal, it’s likely some sort of medicine will be required. For more information about lifestyle changes that may help to lower blood pressure, click here. And, to make life a little easier, repeat prescriptions for blood pressure medications are available via your online doctor at qoctor.com.au
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