Home Monitoring Do's and Don'ts - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

penybobeny · 06-27-2007, 10:22 AM

To get the most out of monitoring your BP at home remember a few simple "rules" and you will be able to keep a more accurate record of your BP health.

1- Do- Always take your BP in the same position.

In other words, if you take it sitting at a table with your arm resting on the table, always take it at the table in that position. Readings can vary if you take them laying down or standing.

2- Do- Replace your batteries regularly.

Even if the battery seems to be fine remember that over time they lose strength and might cause your BP monitor to go slower or not pick up your pulse as quickly.

3- Don't- Take your BP measurements over and over in quick succession.

Give your veins and arteries at least five minutes to relax between readings, taking the readings one after another may give you false high or low readings.

4- Don't- Take your home BP monitor readings as gospel, have the readings compared by a professional.

You can have your BP taken at your DR's office or even a local Fire Station... if you are getting readings that seem to be unusual it is a quick trip to a Fire Station to ask them to check your BP, and it doesn't cost a thing. Doing this will give you a better idea of your monitor's accuracy.

Good Luck and Happy Monitoring!

acp44 · 06-27-2007, 11:01 AM

Unfortunately doctor's office readings are often inaccurate and vary wildly as well, esp. where white coat anxiety factors in. At mine, the nurse takes it, yacks at you while taking it after rushing you in, and voila I read 145/80 routinely. 15 minutes later the doctor takes it and it is 125/75. A lot of doctors won't even go by their own office readings.

I would also note that there are recent medical studies noting that home readings are better predictors of BP target organ damage than doctor's readings.

But yes, do keep home monitors in good working condition and make sure they are calibrated.

acp

joe86 · 06-28-2007, 02:19 PM

I agree entirely with home-monitoring. A couple more things I advise are:

1. Upper arm cuff: these are generally more accurate. There are some good quality wrist cuffs but why take the chance of getting an inferior one.

2. You don't have to buy the best but don't buy the cheapest either. A good brand monitor in the medium price range is extremely accurate. Unless you're getting extreme or inconsistent readings I don't think it's necessary to get backup readings.

3. Relax a few minutes before taking the reading. Be aware that BP will often be higher just after rising in the morning.

GEORGEP · 06-29-2007, 08:55 AM

When I go to the doctor the nurse walks me into the room and does not even give me a chance to relax a little before she is wrapping the cuff around my arm and talking to me while I am sitting on the end of the table with my legs dangling. I always get a higher reading with her. The doctor comes in and he checks it again and it is always lower. I thought you were supposed to sit in a chair with your back resting against and your feet flat on the floor. That is how I check it at home..

acp44 · 06-29-2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GEORGEP

When I go to the doctor the nurse walks me into the room and does not even give me a chance to relax a little before she is wrapping the cuff around my arm and talking to me while I am sitting on the end of the table with my legs dangling. I always get a higher reading with her. The doctor comes in and he checks it again and it is always lower. I thought you were supposed to sit in a chair with your back resting against and your feet flat on the floor. That is how I check it at home..

Yep that's the standard procedure! This morning the nurse clocked me at 138/78, and the doctor 5 minutes later (back unsupported, legs dangling) at 132/82. This is one reason why home monitoring is SO important!