Know Your Numbers: Why and How to Measure Blood Pressure At Home

Checking your blood pressure at home is an easy and important way to stay on top of your health. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can lead to serious problems such as heart disease or stroke. The good news? Regular home monitoring can help you keep it under control and catch any changes early.

Blood pressure measures how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. It’s recorded in two numbers: 

• Systolic (top number): The pressure when your heart beats.

• Diastolic (bottom number): The pressure when your heart rests between beats.

A normal blood pressure reading is usually below 120/80 mmHg. If your numbers are too high or too low, it may signal a health problem. 

Home blood pressure monitoring has many benefits:

• Track your health: See if your blood pressure stays in a healthy range.

• Spot problems early: Catch changes before they become serious.

• Support your physician: Share your readings to help your doctor adjust your treatment.

• Take control: Learn how diet, exercise, and stress affect your blood pressure.

The American Heart Association recommends an automatic, cuff-style, upper-arm (biceps) monitor. Choose a monitor that has been validated, which means the device has been independently reviewed for accuracy. If you are unsure, ask your health care professional or pharmacist for advice. 

Plan ahead: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.

Empty your bladder: A full bladder can put pressure on and reduce blood flow to your kidneys. Your body's natural response is to raise your blood pressure to make sure your kidneys are getting enough blood.

Sit correctly and quietly:  Sit in a chair with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs. Place your arm on a flat surface with your upper arm at heart level. Relax for a few minutes. 

Make sure the cuff fits your arm: Wrap the cuff snugly around your bare arm about 1 inch above the elbow. The middle of the cuff should be placed on the upper arm at heart level. If it is too loose or too tight, it may not read your blood pressure correctly.

Measure at the same time every day: Take the readings at the same time each day for consistency. Take two to three readings, about one minute apart. 

Keep a log of your readings: Include the date, time, and any notes about your activity or stress levels. Share this information with your physician. 

Understand your readings:

• Normal blood pressure: less than 120/80

• Elevated: 120 ̶ 129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic

• High blood pressure: 130/80 or higher. Consult your physician for guidance.

• Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, which means one isolated reading doesn't provide accurate information.

• If you check your blood pressure when you're upset or stressed, it's likely to be high. If you take it again right away, you may get another high reading, which feeds a cycle of anxiety and elevated readings.

• Consistent, repeated measurements provide a far more useful assessment than occasional measurements.

Share your readings with your doctor, especially if you notice: 

• Readings consistently above 130/80 mmHg

• Large changes in your blood pressure

• Symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or chest pain

Your doctor can help you make a plan to manage your blood pressure, whether that means lifestyle changes, medication, or both. 

Home blood pressure monitoring is simple, affordable, and gives you the power to manage your health. By tracking your numbers regularly, you can take steps to protect your heart and live a healthier life. 

Start checking your blood pressure today—it’s a small step that makes a big difference. 

Prioritizing your heart health can be challenging, but BJC HealthCare is here to help. Call 314-273-2315 to schedule an appointment with one of our primary care providers or heart specialists.