Verified on 04/24/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor
It is possible to measure your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. When to measure it? How often ? Or ? What preparation? Follow our advice to make reliable measurements.
When to measure your blood pressure?
Your doctor may ask you to measure your blood pressure yourself for diagnosis or monitoring.high blood pressure.
To obtain reliable measurements, it is best to take your blood pressure at regular hours, for 3 days (minimum), or even 5 days if possible (these recommendations may vary depending on the doctor) before the appointment with your doctor.
It is advisable to measure it:
- the matinbetween getting up and eating breakfast and before taking medication, three times in a row at 1 or 2 min intervals;
- the eveningbetween dinner and bedtime, three times in a row, 1 or 2 minutes apart.
What preparation before measuring your blood pressure?
Measuring your blood pressure must be done under appropriate conditions. Before taking the measurement, read the instructions for use of your blood pressure monitor.
Sit in a quiet place, after at least 5 minutes of rest. Remove your watch and top if it tightens your arm.
Before taking, avoid:
- drink coffee, cola, energy drinks;
- To smoke ;
- intense physical exercise;
- situations that can trigger stress;
- strong emotions.
If you are using the device for the first time, measure your blood pressure in both arms. If the results between the two arms are significantly different, then take the measurements on the arm where the numbers are higher.
If the results are similar, place the device on the left arm if you are right-handed and on the right arm if you are left-handed.
The device is placed on a table. The cuff is placed a little above the elbow crease. It should be slightly tight. The pipe is directed towards the palm of the hand. Place your forearm on the table, elbow slightly bent without clenching your fist. Start the measurement.
During setting (inflation and deflation), stay relaxed, do not talk or move. Write down in a notebook the numbers that appear on the screen, as well as the day and time of each measurement. This data will be sent to your doctor.
Journalist
April 24, 2024, at 10:10 a.m.
100% Readers found this article helpful And you ?
Was this article useful to you?
Read also :
