If your doctor has asked you to check your blood pressure at home, it is important that you do it correctly. Inaccurate readings can mean not being put on medication when you are supposed to OR being put on medications when you are not supposed to be on medications.
So I get asked a lot of times which blood pressure monitor is the best one-the blood pressure monitor with the upper arm cuffs are more accurate. You want to make sure you use the right size cuff-if it’s too small or too large you’ll end up with inaccurate readings.
1.Before taking your blood pressure, wait at least 30 mins after smoking, taking caffeine, alcohol or exercising.
2. Empty your bladder
3. Sit back in your chair with your feet flat on the floor, legs and ankles uncrossed, and your arm extended, palm up, on a table so that your elbow is positioned roughly at heart height.
4.Wrap the proper size cuff around your BARE arm about an inch above the crook of your elbow. Sit quietly without any distractions. Then start the machine to take your blood pressure after a few minutes of calm.
Keep a record of your readings so you can share with your doctor. This will help determine if the medication is working as expected or adjustments need to be made.
Shop GoodPharmD Storefront
