How you take your blood pressure is very important. If you don’t take your blood pressure correctly, then the numbers could be higher or lower than they really are. That means you could end up on blood pressure medication that you don’t really need. I’m going to discuss today who needs a blood pressure machine, how to find the best one, and how to take your blood pressure. That way, you can prevent future heart attacks and strokes.
Who needs a blood pressure machine?
The American Heart Association recommends home blood pressure monitoring for anyone with high blood pressure. I recommend that you not be diagnosed with high blood pressure unless you have had home blood pressure monitoring done or a 24-hour blood pressure monitor. Most clinics do not have 24-hour blood pressure monitors, so home blood pressure monitoring is the best way to go. Unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed with high blood pressure based on clinic blood pressures after 1 or 2 visits, when they may not really have high blood pressure.
Those who should have a home blood pressure machine:
- Anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure
- Anyone who has been told they had a high blood pressure reading in a clinic
- Those who are taking blood pressure medications and making adjustments to their dose
- Those who have had lightheadedness or dizziness while taking blood pressure medication
How to choose the best home blood pressure monitor
I always recommend to all my patients to get a blood pressure machine that goes on the arm. Wrist blood pressure cuffs are notoriously unreliable, and many patients get them because they are more affordable, but end up getting bad information.
The best blood pressure machines are found at validatebp.org. They have been independently tested for reliability.
The best blood pressure machines on that list that are more affordable are the Omron brand. I don’t have any financial relationship with them, but I wish I did because their machines are great!
Best Omron machines (non-affiliated Amazon link)
- Omron Bronze Upper arm blood pressure monitor (BP5150) – ~$44
- Omron Silver (BP5255) – ~$60
- Omron 3 series (BP7100)
- Omron 3 series (BP7150)
- Omron 5 series (BP7200)
How to take your blood pressure
- Plan ahead: 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure, avoid drinking caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea), smoking, or exercising.
- Make sure that the blood pressure cuff goes directly onto your skin. Any clothing can affect the readings.
- You can use either arm. If you notice a difference between your arms, please discuss that with your doctor.
- Make sure you are sitting correctly. You will want to sit in a firm chair, like a dining room chair. Your feet should be flat on the ground, and do not cross your legs. Support your arm by placing it on a table next to you or a chair armrest. This will ensure the cuff is near the level of your heart. Also, ensure you do not talk while taking your blood pressure.
- It is important to check your blood pressure in the morning and in the evening, since your blood pressure can vary throughout the day.
- You should take your blood pressure twice, one minute apart.
- Lastly, always consult your blood pressure machine instructions
Click here for a great infographic from the American Heart Association
What blood pressure is high?
When it comes to interpreting blood pressure readings, it is not always straightforward, so it is best to talk to your doctor. The more blood pressure readings you take at home, the more data your doctor will have to better advise you on your blood pressure. The top number (systolic) of your blood pressure is the most important number to look at. That’s because that is the highest pressure your blood vessels will see. Most of our studies looking at decreasing your risk of stroke and heart attack deal with that top number.
Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80
Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/80
High blood pressure (stage 1) is 130-139/90
High blood pressure (stage 2) is 140 or higher/ 90 or higher
– Dr. Kyle Mikals
