Home blood pressure test & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is blood pressure (home test)?

A home blood pressure test makes it easier for you to maintain blood pressure at home. Blood pressure is a measure of the strength of blood in the arteries. Most people use automated devices to measure blood pressure in the home. This tool works by pumping the cuff around the upper arm to temporarily stop blood flow in the artery. As the air slowly releases from the cuff, it will record the pressure at which the blood begins to flow again.

Blood pressure is recorded as two measures:

the first number is systolic pressure. Systolic pressure represents the peak blood pressure that occurs when the heart contracts
the second number is the diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure represents the lowest blood pressure that occurs when the heart relaxes between beats.

These two pressures are expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) because the original blood pressure gauges used a mercury column. Blood pressure measurements are recorded as systolic / diastolic (say “systolic over diastolic). For example, if the systolic pressure is 120 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is 80 mm Hg, the blood pressure is recorded as 120/80 (say 120 over 80).

Automatic blood pressure monitor

An automatic monitor, or an electronic or digital monitor, is a battery-operated monitor that uses a microphone to detect blood pulses in the arteries. The cuff, which is wrapped around the upper arm, automatically expands and deflates when you press the Start button.

Types of blood pressure monitors commonly found in supermarkets, pharmacies and malls are automatic devices.

Blood pressure monitors that measure blood pressure in the finger or wrist are usually inaccurate and are not recommended.

Manual blood pressure monitor

The manual model is similar to the one doctors usually use to measure blood pressure. Called a sphygmomanometer, this tool usually includes an arm cuff, a pressure bulb for pumping the cuff, a stethoscope or microphone, and a blood pressure gauge.

Blood pressure measurement is done by temporarily stopping blood flow in the artery (usually by pumping the cuff around the upper arm) and placing a stethoscope over the skin along the artery. You hear the sound of blood starting to flow again through the artery as air slides out of the cuff.

Blood pressure is indicated on a circular device with a needle. As the pressure in the cuff increases, the needle moves clockwise across the tool. If the pressure in the cuff decreases, the needle moves counterclockwise and the number read on the device when blood flow is first heard is systolic pressure. The number that is read when the blood flow can no longer be heard is the diastolic pressure.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitor

An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a small device that is worn throughout the day, usually for 24 or 48 hours. This tool takes blood pressure automatically. Your doctor may recommend this monitor if you think you have white-coat blood pressure or other methods are not giving consistent results.

When should I have my blood pressure (home test)?

Your doctor may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home if you:

diagnosed with pre-hypertension (systolic - above - numbers between 120 and 139 mm Hg or diastolic - below - numbers between 80 and 89 mm Hg)
diagnosed with hypertension (systolic 140 mm Hg or more or diastolic 90 mm Hg or more)
have risk factors for high blood pressure

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking blood pressure (home test)?

Don't adjust your blood pressure medication based on your home blood pressure reading if your doctor doesn't tell you to. Blood pressure usually rises and falls from day to day and even from moment to moment. Blood pressure tends to be higher in the morning and lower at night. Stress, smoking, eating, exercise, cold, pain, noise, medication, and even talking can all have an effect. A single high result does not mean you have high blood pressure. The average of a measurement that is repeated several times throughout the day is more accurate than a single reading.

Blood pressure may only be high when you see a doctor. This is called “white-coat” hypertension and may be caused by the stress of seeing a doctor. If you check your blood pressure regularly at home, you may find that your blood pressure is lower when you are not at the doctor's office or hospital.

Process

What should I do before taking blood pressure (home test)?

Before checking your blood pressure, you should:

find a quiet place to check blood pressure. You will need to listen to your heartbeat
make sure you are comfortable and relaxed, and that your bladder is emptied (a full bladder may affect reading)
rest on the chair next to the table for 5-10 minutes. Your arms should rest comfortably at heart level. Sit straight and lean back, legs not crossed. Rest your upper arms on the table with your palms facing up.

How does the blood pressure process (home test)?

The blood pressure in the right arm may be higher or lower than the blood pressure in the left arm. Therefore, try to use the same arm for each test. At first, it's a good idea to take your blood pressure 3 times in a row, every 5-10 minutes. If you are more comfortable taking blood pressure, you will only need to measure it once or twice at a time.

Instructions for using a blood pressure monitor will vary depending on the type of blood pressure monitor you choose. Below are general guidelines:

take blood pressure when you feel comfortable and relaxed. Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes with both feet on the floor. Try not to move or talk while taking blood pressure
sit with your arms slightly folded and rest comfortably on the table so that your upper arms are at the same level as your heart
place the blood pressure cuff over the skin of the upper arm. You may have to roll up your sleeves, undress your sleeves, or take your clothes off
Wrap the blood pressure cuff tightly around the upper arm so that the bottom edge of the cuff is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the elbow crease.

What should I do after taking blood pressure (home test)?

Record blood pressure numbers with date and time. You can use a book or computer spreadsheet. Your monitor may have features that will log numbers for you. Multiple monitors can transfer this information to the computer. Also, keep track of your daily activities, for example when you take your medication or if you feel angry or stressed. Your notes may help explain changes in blood pressure readings and help your doctor adjust your medication.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Blood pressure for adults 18 years and over (mm Hg)

Ideal: systolic (119 or below), diastolic (79 or below)

Prehypertension: systolic (120-139), diastolic (80-89)

Hypertension: systolic (140 or above), diastolic (90 or above)

Generally, the lower the blood pressure, the better. For example, a blood pressure reading that is less than 90/60 is considered healthy as long as you feel well. However, if you experience low blood pressure and feel dizzy, want to pass out, or vomit, talk to your doctor.