How to Take Your Blood Pressure at Home

If you have high blood pressure or are at risk for developing it, you may need to monitor your blood pressure at

home on a regular basis. You can buy a home blood pressure monitor online-The American Heart Association

recommends the website www.validatebp.org. Or you can buy a blood pressure monitor at your local retail

store and some pharmacies. Follow this checklist to take your blood pressure at home.

DO: Sit still for five minutes before you monitor your blood pressure. Make sure your back is straight, with your

arm resting on a surface, and feet flat on the floor. DO: Make sure the bottom of the cuff is at the bottom of

your upper arm at your elbow. DO: Monitor at the same time each day. Follow the specific recommendations of

your healthcare provider on when and how often to check.

DO: Record your readings so you can share with your healthcare provider at your next visit. Keep a written log,

use the monitor memory storage, or use a digital app on your tablet or phone.

DO: Contact your healthcare provider if your readings become unusually high. Normal blood pressure readings

are less than 120/80. Your healthcare provider may want you to bring your monitor to your next appointment

and show them how you take your blood pressure at home to ensure you are performing the check correctly.

DO NOT: Drink Caffeine, exercise, or smoke for 30 minutes before you monitor. DO NOT: Cross your legs

while taking your blood pressure. It could affect the accuracy of your reading. DO NOT: Position the cuff over

your clothing. The reading results could be incorrect.

Monitoring your blood pressure at home helps your healthcare provider determine the best treatment for you.

Follow this checklist to make sure you are taking your blood pressure correctly.

This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,

or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.

VER59709A EN HowToTakeYourBloodPressureAtHome.pdf

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