Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious medical conditions, including strokes and damage to your heart and kidneys, according to the American Heart Association. People predisposed to high blood pressure and those already taking medication to control it can monitor their blood pressure themselves at home. Accurate recording of your blood pressure readings can help your health care professional track changes and assess your condition before a crisis arises.
Step 1
Set a schedule for taking your blood pressure by consulting your health care professional. He may recommend that you record your pressure daily, weekly or at some other interval, depending on your current condition.
Step 2
Empty your bladder before you attach the blood pressure monitor to your arm. Mayo Clinic states that a full bladder can increase your blood pressure temporarily and lead to higher readings than you would get otherwise.
Step 3
Take your first reading in the morning at least 60 minutes after you awaken, but before you exercise. After you consume coffee or alcohol or use tobacco, delay taking your blood pressure for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4
Download a free blood pressure tracking chart from the American Heart Association's website if you do not have one available. This printable PDF file has space on each row for three blood pressure readings and a column for recording your pulse rate.
Step 5
Write down the date, time. Record your blood pressure results by writing down the higher number, the systolic pressure, first; then enter the lower number, the diastolic pressure. Separate the two numbers with a slash on your chart if your monitor does not store the data automatically.
Step 6
Wait at least one minute, then take your blood pressure again and fill in the date, time and readings on your chart. Mayo Clinic advises that you should take up to three readings at the same time each day.
Step 7
Take your blood pressure in the evening if your physician advises. Enter the date, time and for two or three readings, separated by at least one minute. Record the numbers for your systolic and diastolic pressure in your chart on a new line to distinguish the morning readings from your evening readings.
Tips and Warnings
- The American Heart Association has online blood pressure tracking tools for consumers that allow you to create a personal profile with your readings and measures. Automatic monitors can store your blood pressure readings and allow you to upload the data for your health care provider to review.
Things You'll Need
- Blood pressure monitor
- Calendar
- Tracking chart
