High blood pressure can put you at risk of developing a number of health conditions, including atherosclerosis, stroke and heart disease. Monitoring your blood pressure and taking steps to keep it at acceptable levels is an important step that you can take to improve your health. Although blood pressure is commonly taken at a doctor's office for routine checkups, these measurements may not be an accurate portrayal of your normal blood pressure, as the anxiety due to visiting a doctor can increase blood pressure. Thus it's best to also track your blood pressure at home.
Step 1
Purchase a home blood pressure monitor. This will allow you to check your blood pressure at home during your daily activities. There are many different home blood pressure monitors, including ones which fit over the upper arm and ones which fit on the wrist. Wrist blood pressure monitors are often more convenient, but can be less accurate that other models.
Step 2
Take your blood pressure each day. This is important in order to accurately and easily check your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure at the same time, as your measurements can change depending on the time of the day, notes Diovan.com. Avoid consuming caffeine, nicotine or other stimulants before taking your blood pressure, as this can cause elevations in your blood pressure. Avoid using your monitor shortly after physical activity or emotional stress, as this can also result in unusually high blood pressure numbers. If possible, take your blood pressure as a session of three different readings separated by 1-minute gaps and then average the three measurements. This can help correct for momentary fluctuations in blood pressure; some home blood pressure monitors do this automatically.
Step 3
Record each day's blood pressure readings. It is important to keep careful track of your blood pressure numbers, either using computer software, a handwritten chart or a website. The American Heart Association, for example, has a chart which can be printed and filled in to help you track your blood pressure (see Resources). Some home blood pressure monitors can store previous readings. This is necessary because your blood pressure can vary greatly from one reading to the next. Looking at your blood pressure numbers over time can allow you to identify unusual measurements and better identify your overall heart health.
