Lower High Blood Pressure

Learn how to take blood pressure accurately in this article. Sure, you can rely on your doctor but there are great benefits to learning how to do it yourself. Follow me as I check the essential steps for getting your blood pressure measured accurately.

At The Doctor

One option is to get measured at your doctor’s clinic. But there are two problems with this.

First of all, you want to monitor your blood pressure several times a year for the rest of your life. This is because high blood pressure can suddenly strike at any age. Do you want to make several hundred appointments over your lifetime just to check your blood pressure.

Second, many people get “white coat syndrome” which means that they have readings that are inaccurate when a doctor takes them. This is why many doctors recommend you get yourself a home monitor.

Home Monitor

This is simply a small, digital device that you can borrow or buy that will measure your blood pressure for you.

Cuff Size

First you wrap the cuff around your upper arm. It should cover 80% of your upper arm. In many cases, the cuff is too small or too large and this will give either an overestimate or an underestimate. Most manufacturers allow you to exchange cuffs for free.

Hose On Inside

The hose that leads from the cuff to the device should be positioned so that it leaves the cuff on the inside of your arm, close to where your vein lies underneath.

At Heart Level

Very importantly, your arm should lie at the same level as your heart or otherwise you will get an incorrect reading. It is useful to lie your arm on a table to achieve this.

Several Readings

Next you simply switch the machine on and allow it to take your blood pressure. You should be rested for around 5 minutes prior to this. Take several readings throughout the day for best results.

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