Home blood pressure monitoring can be very helpful get an accurate picture of your blood pressure.
To get an accurate picture we need the average of several measures.
The British Heart Foundation have a list of validated blood pressure monitors
Get a monitor with an upper cuff: Ideally, choose a blood pressure monitor that measures your blood pressure at your upper arm. If you cannot use a cuff on your upper arm, you can use a cuff that wraps around your wrist instead.
Make sure the cuff is the right size: The cuff should wrap snugly around your upper arm, with just enough space to slide 2 fingers underneath. Most home blood pressure monitors will come with a medium-sized cuff. If your upper arm is much larger or smaller than average, you may need to buy a different sized cuff separately.
Decide how to record your results: Keeping a note of your readings can help you track your blood pressure over time. If you want to, you can buy a device with a memory to store your results. However, these often cost more than other monitors, and recording your readings with a pen and paper in a diary can work just as well.
10 STEPS TO TAKING AN ACCURATE BLOOD PRESSURE READING
Make sure you are feeling calm, and not anxious or stressed.
Sit upright with your back against the back of a chair and feet flat on the floor.
Rest your arm on a table and make sure your hand is relaxed. Do not clench your fist while you are taking your blood pressure.
Place the cuff over your upper arm with the tubing leading down the centre or slightly to the right of your arm.
Tighten the cuff around your arm, making sure you can still fit 2 fingers underneath.
Press the 'On' button on your monitor, and then press the 'Start' button. Do not talk, and try to relax.
You will feel the cuff inflate automatically, quite quickly, and then deflate again. It may feel a bit tender or uncomfortable, but this will only be for a short period of time. If it is too uncomfortable, you can press the ‘Stop’ button and the cuff will instantly deflate.
Once you get your reading, make a note of it. Some machines also come with a printer, so you can stick your print-outs in a diary if you would like to.
Check your blood pressure again a few minutes later, to make sure the readings are similar and accurate.
If you have been asked by your GP or nurse to check your blood pressure, take it twice a day – morning and evening – and then make an appointment to discuss the results.