It’s never been easier to take your own blood pressure at home. Automated digital blood pressure monitors measure heart rate and take a blood pressure reading, which consists of a systolic number (measurement of the pressure against your artery walls when your heart beats) and a diastolic number (measurement of the pressure between beats). Doctors consider a systolic/diastolic measurement of 120/80 to be normal. An accurate reading requires that you to make a few preparations and use the blood pressure monitor properly. Let’s take a look at how to take your own blood pressure accurately. Show
Easily record your blood pressure with the Heart Club app. Download it FREE on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Determining Which Arm to UseTraditionally, healthcare providers have taken blood pressure readings on the left arm. That’s because the heart sits slightly to the left of the midline in your chest. The body’s largest blood vessel, the aorta, exits the left side of the heart and transports blood through blood vessels throughout the body. The coronary arteries coming directly off of the aorta into the left arm are more likely to become stiffer and obstructed than those going into the right arm. Some doctors and nurses will take blood pressure readings in both arms because the readings will vary. A large discrepancy between two arms can be a warning sign of arterial stiffening. Taking Your Blood PressureFollow your healthcare provider’s instructions on when and how often to take your blood pressure, and try measuring your blood pressure at about the same time each day. Whether you have a manual or a digital blood pressure monitor, follow the instruction booklet carefully. Here are the five basic steps for taking a blood pressure measurement using an automatic digital monitor: 1. Get ready. Before taking a reading, be sure to avoid factors that can cause blood pressure to rise temporarily. These factors include stress, cold temperatures, exercise, caffeine, coffee, some medications, and a full stomach or bladder. 2. Get set. Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes before taking the measurement. Sit up straight with your back against the back of the chair and with your legs uncrossed and on the ground. Rest your forearm on the table with the palm of your hand facing up. Your elbow should be positioned at heart level. 3. Position the cuff. Tighten the cuff on your bare upper arm one inch above the bend of your elbow. Take the measurement on your left arm unless directed by your healthcare provider to take the reading on your right arm. The cuff should be tight enough so that you can slip only two fingertips under its top edge. Settle yourself by waiting briefly before proceeding to the next step. 4. Start the machine. Press the Start button and remain still and quiet as the machine takes the measurement. The cuff will inflate (and tighten) and then slowly deflate. When the reading is completed, the monitor will display your blood pressure and heart rate. If the monitor doesn’t show a reading, reposition the cuff and restart the machine. 5. Record the results. Be sure to write down your systolic and diastolic numbers, heart rate, and which arm you took the reading on. 6. Take a second reading. After a few minutes, repeat the steps above to take another reading and record the results. “Heart Club is great. I take my BP every morning and share it with my doctor. Thanks to the developers of this app.” – Ingrid B. Download Heart Club FREE on the Apple App Store and Google Play Keeping Track of Your Blood PressureMonitoring your blood pressure is extremely important. High blood pressure is a major cause of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and other health conditions. One easy way to keep track of your blood pressure is to use the Semler Heart Club app. This all-in-one, cardiologist-designed app helps you track your daily steps and blood pressure and gives you access to important medical data. Learn more about how Heart Club can help improve your general heart health. A blood pressure test checks if your blood pressure is healthy, or if it's high or low. Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it's pumped around your body. Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not usually
a problem, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people. High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase your risk of developing serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, if it's not treated. Having this quick test is the only way to find out what your blood pressure is – and it could save your life. When and where to get your blood pressure testedYou should have a blood pressure test if you're worried about your blood pressure at any time. If you're over 40, you can have this test done as part of an NHS Health Check, which is offered to adults in England aged 40 to 74 every 5 years. If you have been diagnosed with high or low blood pressure, or you have a high risk of developing either, you may need more frequent checks of your blood pressure. You can get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including:
How blood pressure is testedBlood pressure machines vary, but they're all a type of measuring device, which often have an arm cuff attached to it. The cuff is usually wrapped around your upper arm and filled with air until it feels tight. This can feel uncomfortable but it only lasts a few seconds. It's important to relax and not talk during this time, because this is when your blood pressure is measured. If a healthcare professional is doing this for you, they may also use a stethoscope to record your blood pressure. An automatic device usually picks up the measurements from sensors in the arm cuff, which are sent to a digital display. You should get the results straight away. Understanding your blood pressure readingBlood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as 2 numbers:
The highest number is always the systolic pressure and it's always given first. For example, a blood pressure given as "120 over 80" or 120/80mmHg means a systolic pressure of 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 80mmHg. As a general guide:
If your reading is between 120/80mmHg and 140/90mmHg, you may be at risk of developing high blood pressure. There are things you can do to help prevent high blood pressure. Testing your blood pressure at homeYour GP may suggest 24-hour or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) if they think you may have high blood pressure (hypertension). ABPM tests your blood pressure regularly over 24 hours, by using a cuff attached to a portable device that's worn on your waist. You can continue with your daily activities during this time. If you want to regularly check your blood pressure at home, you can buy a machine. Blood pressure devices for home useIf you want to check your blood pressure regularly at home, you can buy a digital blood pressure machine. Choose a machine that measures your blood pressure at your upper arm, not your wrist or finger. Let your GP know you're doing this. Page last reviewed: 08 November 2021 Which blood pressure is more accurate left or right arm?Higher pressures are more frequent in the right arm and range in most individuals from 10 to 20 mmHg or greater in systole, and to a similar extent but less often in diastole. A BP difference between the left and right arms—even when large—is statistically a normal variant and need not necessarily cause concern.
Why should blood pressure be taken on the left arm?Traditionally, healthcare providers have taken blood pressure readings on the left arm. That's because the heart sits slightly to the left of the midline in your chest. The body's largest blood vessel, the aorta, exits the left side of the heart and transports blood through blood vessels throughout the body.
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What arm should you take your blood pressure
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