February is American Heart Month, so it is a great time to review one of the most prevalent conditions in the United States: Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure). If your blood pressure is running high over a long period of time, it can increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Nearly 50% of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but only 1 in 4 adults have their condition under control.
When you take a blood pressure measurement, you get two numbers, a top number (systolic) and a bottom number (diastolic). For example, a typical blood pressure reading may show up as 120/80mmHg. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your goal blood pressure reading is to be at less than 130/80mmHg.
Here are some important tips to help you take an accurate blood pressure at home:
- Be Still: Smoking, drinking caffeine, or exercising 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure can affect your reading. Rest for 5 minutes before your measurements.
- Sit correctly: Your back should be straight and supported with your feet flat on the floor. Don’t cross your legs. Lay your arm on a flat surface (table) at heart level. Make sure the bottom of the cuff is placed above the bend of your elbow.
- Measure at the same time every day: It is important to take your readings at the same time each day. This also helps you remember!
- Record all measurements: Each time you measure, record the results on a notepad or in your phone.
- Don’t take measurements over clothes. The readings will be most accurate if the cuff is placed directly on your arm.
It is essential that you use a validated blood pressure machine to get accurate readings at home. Moose Pharmacy has a variety of blood pressure machines available for purchase. You can also schedule a consultation with a pharmacist to ensure you are using your machine properly and ask any questions you have about measurements and medication regimen.
Remember:
- Checking your blood pressure daily is important to help reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Make sure that you are taking your hypertension medications as prescribed and incorporating the tips listed above for at home measurements.
- Stop by Moose Pharmacy for a consultation to ensure proper use of your blood pressure machine, technique, and medication regimen.
References:
- Facts about hypertension. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm. Published January 5, 2023. Accessed January 27, 2023.
- High blood pressure symptoms and causes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/about.htm. Published May 18, 2021. Accessed January 27, 2023.
- How to accurately measure blood pressure at home. www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/05/22/how-to-accurately-measure-blood-pressure-at-home. Published January 24, 2023. Accessed January 27, 2023.
- Monitoring your blood pressure at home. www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home. Published December 2, 2022. Accessed January 27, 2023.
