Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home

The only way of keeping track of your blood pressure is to measure it regularly with an accurate blood pressure monitor. Be careful when you choose one because there are many types and models of blood pressure monitors available.

It is crucial that you make an informed decision about which machine to buy and will suit you best.

It is very important to monitor how your blood pressure changes over time. This way you will have an active role in taking care of your own health and it will be easier to determine what kind of treatment you need.

Prices of a digital blood pressure monitor are not too high and they are easy to use.
The British Hypertension Society produces a list of clinicaly tested accurate blood pressure monitors. You can read more about these on this page.

It is important to use a recommended machine because otherwise you may perform innaccurate measurements and this should be avoided.

You must also take into account the fact the values of the blood pressure vary for everyone, so do not be frightened if a few of your readings are a bit over the line, this is normal for everybody. You should only worry if these high values keep repeating, and in this case you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Also, the values of the readings that you make with the blood pressure monitors may be lower than usual a few times, which is also normal.

If you want the readings to be as accurate as possible try to sit down, rested, on a hard surface when performing the measurements.

Finally do not forget that the purpose of measuring your blood pressure at home is is to lower it!