Hypertension and the Correct Way to Take Home Blood Pressure Readings

Sue Kangas, PABy Sue Kangas, PA

 

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, causes millions of deaths a year due to heart attacks and strokes.  Not only does having high blood pressure cause heart attacks and strokes, it also causes sexual dysfunction, heart failure, vison loss, kidney disease and failure.   There is a correct and incorrect way to take blood pressure readings. I am going to discuss the correct way to get a more accurate blood pressure measurements and talk about using the proper blood pressure cuff.  It’s important to use an automatic arm cuff not a wrist cuff.  Most wrist cuffs are inaccurate and not recommended.  Arm cuffs come in different sizes so, the upper arm needs to be measured to insure the correct size is used to get the most accurate reading.  Measure the upper arm around the largest part of the upper arm muscle called the bicep muscle, then check to make sure the blood pressure cuff supports that size range.

Plan to take your blood pressure first thing in the morning before starting the day and again in the evening.  Avoid caffeine, eating a meal, smoking or exercise 30 minutes prior to taking your blood pressure. Doing these things prior to taking your blood pressure will elevate it.  If you’re taking blood pressure medication you need to take your blood pressure before taking your medication. You need to have an empty bladder, sit quietly without distractions, avoiding conversations, TV watching, cell phone or other electronic device use. Rest for five minutes or more.

Positioning is important. Sit upright with feet flat on the floor.  Keep back supported and avoid crossing the legs.  Position the arm at heart level on a table with the palm facing up and muscles relaxed. Place the blood pressure cuff on a bare arm above the elbow at mid-arm, making sure it fits snugly and securely and you are able to get two fingertips underneath the cuff.  Rest for five minutes in this starting position. Next take two to three measurements one minute apart, twice a day every day for seven days. When you’re finished record your measurements.  If you experience blood pressure readings over 140/90 consistently at home you need see your primary care provider as soon as possible.