Grantham Medical
Walk-In Clinic. Community Pharmacy. Family Practice.

At Home

BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING

 

We want to help you measure your blood pressure with confidence.

Keeping track of your blood pressure at home is a simple and effective way to take charge of your health. Whether you’ve been asked to monitor it by your doctor, or you just want to stay on top of things, home blood pressure monitors make it easy to get accurate readings in just a few minutes.

 
 

Why check your blood pressure at home?

Home readings can give your doctor a clearer picture of how your blood pressure behaves day-to-day, especially if it tends to change due to stress, medication, or activity. It also helps avoid “white coat syndrome,” where blood pressure can be higher at the clinic than it is at home.

  • Track how well your treatment(s) are working

  • Detect early signs of high or low blood pressure

  • Stay involved in your care

What you’ll Need

You’ll need a digital upper arm blood pressure monitor (these are more accurate than wrist or finger monitors). If you’re unsure which model is right for you, ask one of our pharmacists to help you choose one that’s reliable, easy to use, and suits your needs.

How to check your blood pressure at home

There are a lot of things that can affect your blood pressure reading, so you’ll want to ensure you’re ready for the best results. Follow our simple, step-by-step process below:

  1. Get into the right position
    Sit in a chair with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and legs uncrossed. Rest your arm on the table so the cuff is at heart level.

  2. Relax first
    Wait at least 5 minutes in a quiet place before taking a reading. Don’t smoke, drink caffeine, or exercise 30 minutes beforehand.

  3. Apply the cuff
    Wrap the cuff snugly around your bare upper arm, about 1 inch above the bend of your elbow.

  4. Start the machine
    Press the start button and stay still while the cuff inflates and deflates. Try not to talk or move during the reading.

  5. Record the numbers
    Write down the top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic) along with the date, time, and which arm you used.

For the best results, take two readings at least a minute apart, once in the morning and once at night for several days.

What’s normal blood pressure?

It’s important to remember that everyone’s target blood pressure may differ. Always ask your healthcare providers what range is best for you.