How to measure your blood pressure at home

There are wrong ways and right ways to measure your blood pressure. Watch Harvard Heart Letter former editor Patrick Skerrett demonstrate both.

Buy a monitor that meets the test

There are dozens of home blood pressure monitors on the market. You can buy a good one at your local pharmacy or a big-box store for anywhere between $40 and $100.

The American Heart Association recommends using the type with a cuff that fits around your upper arm. Those that go around the wrist or attach to a finger aren't quite as accurate. Not all home blood pressure monitors pass tests for accuracy and reliability. Independent evaluations have been done by the dabl Educational Trust, the British Hypertension Society, and the Consumers Union (which publishes Consumer Reports). Each has posted or published its list of trustworthy machines.

Do it right!

In addition to using a home blood pressure monitor the right way, here are other tips to help you get the most accurate measurements of your blood pressure:

• If you smoke or drink coffee, wait at least 30 minutes after having a cigarette or cup of coffee before taking your blood pressure.
• Sit quietly for a few minutes before beginning.
• After taking your blood pressure, relax for a minute and then do it again.
• At first, take your blood pressure twice a day for a week. The best times of day are early in the morning, before you have taken your blood pressure pills, and again in the evening. After you've done this for a week, once or twice a month—or whatever your doctor recommends—is fine.
• Don't panic if one or two readings are higher than usual. Blood pressure changes throughout the day, sometimes from minute to minute. It's the trend that's important.
• Finally, share the results with your doctor.

Resources

• Consumer Reports rated the The Omron 10 Series, BP786 ($75) as its highest--rated arm monitor in the May 2015 issue of Consumer Reports. A complete list is available in the magazine. Subscribers can access the list online.
• dabl Educational Trust (free)
• British Hypertension Society (free)