High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so the only way to know your numbers is to measure them. Checking at home helps you and your doctor see your true blood pressure away from the stress of a clinic, and shows whether treatment is working. Here is how to do it correctly.

Why Measure at Home?

  • Some people have higher readings at the clinic than at home (“white coat” effect). Others have normal clinic readings but high readings at home.
  • Regular home readings help your doctor adjust your medicine.
  • Seeing your own numbers can motivate healthy changes.

Choosing a Blood Pressure Monitor

  • Choose an automatic upper-arm monitor. Upper-arm monitors are generally more reliable than wrist or finger monitors.
  • Get the right cuff size. A cuff that is too small gives falsely high readings, and one that is too large gives falsely low readings. Check the arm size range printed on the cuff.
  • Look for a trusted, clinically validated brand. We stock Omron M1 Basic, Omron M2 Intelli IT, Omron M3 Comfort and Omron M6 Comfort. The higher models add features such as reading memory and cuff-position checks.

How to Take an Accurate Reading

  1. Prepare: Avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before measuring, and empty your bladder.
  2. Rest: Sit quietly for 5 minutes with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs.
  3. Position your arm: Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is at the level of your heart.
  4. Put on the cuff: Wrap it on bare skin, about 2 to 3 cm above the bend of your elbow, snug but not tight.
  5. Stay still and quiet: Do not talk or move while the monitor is measuring.
  6. Repeat: Take 2 readings, 1 minute apart, and record both.

When and How Often

When checking your blood pressure for a diagnosis or after a change in medicine, a common approach is to measure twice in the morning (before medicines and breakfast) and twice in the evening for 7 days, then work out the average. Once your blood pressure is stable, your doctor may advise checking less often. Write down every reading with the date and time, or use a monitor with memory, and take the record to your appointments.

Understanding Your Home Readings

Home readings are usually a little lower than clinic readings. Many guidelines consider an average home reading of 135/85 mmHg or higher to be high. Your doctor will interpret your readings together with your overall health.

  • One high reading is not a diagnosis. Look at the average over several days.
  • If your reading is 180/120 or higher, sit quietly for a few minutes and measure again. If it is still that high, or if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, weakness on one side, confusion or problems with vision or speech, get emergency medical care immediately.
  • Very low readings with dizziness or fainting should also be discussed with your doctor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Measuring over clothing or with a rolled-up sleeve squeezing the arm
  • Letting the arm hang down, which raises the reading
  • Measuring straight after climbing stairs, eating a heavy meal or drinking coffee
  • Changing or stopping your medicine based on one reading. Always speak to your doctor first.

The Bottom Line

A good upper-arm monitor, the right cuff size and a consistent routine give you readings you and your doctor can trust. Bring your monitor to our store in Ipaja and we will gladly show you how to use it.

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This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about your health or a product, message our pharmacist on WhatsApp 0916 577 4708 or call 0809 512 7000.