Measuring your blood pressure at home correctly

Why home readings matter

Blood pressure taken at home over several days predicts cardiovascular risk better than a single measurement in a clinic, partly because it removes the anxiety effect known as white coat hypertension.

How to do it properly

• Sit quietly for 5 minutes first, back supported, feet flat, legs uncrossed.
• Rest the arm on a table so the cuff is at heart level.
• Use an upper-arm device with the right cuff size; a cuff that is too small gives falsely high numbers.
• Do not talk during the measurement.
• Take two readings a minute apart, morning and evening, for several days, and average them.

Reading the numbers

The upper number is the pressure when the heart contracts, the lower one when it relaxes. Home averages at or above 135/85 generally indicate hypertension, a slightly lower threshold than the clinic figure.

Do not adjust treatment yourself

One high reading after a stressful morning means nothing. Bring your log to your doctor and change doses only on medical advice.