Proper technique is essential for accurate readings.

Correctly Measure Blood Pressure | Home Blood Pressure Measurement Guidelines | Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Early identification of high blood pressure is crucial. Hypertension, a leading cause of preventable premature death worldwide, can be managed effectively with early and proactive measures, significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes. Home blood pressure monitoring plays a pivotal role in this process. If you are currently managing or at risk for hypertension, regular home monitoring allows you and your healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Accurate measurement not only holds you accountable to your health plan but is vital for ensuring your readings are reliable for informed decision-making. This article outlines essential steps for accurate home blood pressure monitoring, ensuring your measurements are both accurate and dependable.

Proper Setup and Device Selection

Ensure that you are using a validated BP device. Hypertension Canada provides a list of recommended devices that have been proven accurate in research studies.

Check that you’re using the appropriate cuff size. Cuff size is vital for achieving an accurate reading! Wrap the cuff around your bare upper arm, about 3cm above your elbow, and secure. The cuff should feel snug (but not tight), and you should be able to fit two fingers between the blood pressure cuff and your arm.

Happy woman checking her blood pressure at home with a digital monitor, a glass of water, and her smartphone on the dining table.

If you’re still unsure the size is correct, use a soft measuring tape to measure your arm’s circumference around the bicep. Record the measurement and select the BP cuff with the range that includes your arm circumference.

Avoid smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, cola), drinking alcohol or exercising in the 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. These activities can artificially elevate your blood pressure leading to inaccurate readings. If you feel anxious or in pain, wait to take your blood pressure until these feelings have passed.

Five minutes before you take your blood pressure, empty your bladder and rest calmly in a seated position without talking. Ensure that you sit comfortably in a chair with your back supported and feet firmly planted on the ground.

Home Blood Pressure Measurement Guidelines

Follow your blood pressure monitor’s instructions, ensuring the appropriately sized cuff is secure and placed just above your elbow. Always place the cuff in direct contact with your skin, never over clothes.
Place your arm with the cuff at heart level, preferably resting your arm on a hard surface like a table. Each time you take your blood pressure, make sure to use the same arm. Blood pressure may differ by a few points in each arm; this is normal but will impact your data’s accuracy.
Follow your monitor’s instructions to take your blood pressure reading.
Take two separate readings one minute apart, in the morning and evening.
Record results using this printable (PDF) or the PreCardix® blood pressure app.
Measure your blood pressure at the same times each day.

Did You know: The PreCardix® blood pressure app will calculate your blood pressure average for you!

Establishing Your Baseline Blood Pressure

If you’re just starting to measure your blood pressure at home, it’s important to calculate your baseline blood pressure. Measure your blood pressure as outlined above twice in the morning and twice in the evening for 7 days in a row. Discard the first day of readings and average the last 6 days. Record in this printable (PDF) or the PreCardix® blood pressure app. Share this information with your health care provider to discuss your baseline blood pressure readings and how to best support your blood pressure health.

How Often Should Blood Pressure Be Measured At Home

Hypertension Canada recommends measuring your blood pressure daily in both the morning and evening if you have hypertension. If you are prehypertensive or have a family history of hypertension, measure blood pressure weekly. If you notice your blood pressure rising, consult with your health care provider.

A safe and effective natural product for healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

Interpreting your Readings

According to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation and Hypertension Canada, there are four blood pressure categories*. The first number is your systolic blood pressure. The second number is your diastolic blood pressure.

Low Risk = <120/80 mmHg

Moderate Risk = 120-139/80-89 mmHg

Elevated Risk = 140-159/90-99 mmHg

High Risk = >160/100 mmHg

*These categories refer to manual office blood pressure measurements taken by your health care provider.

Blood pressure should be less than 140/90 mmHg for healthy adults with no underlying conditions, when measured in a health care provider’s office with a manual blood pressure monitor. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to have hypertension, and Hypertension Canada recommends your blood pressure should be less than 130/80 mmHg. Blood pressure targets may vary based on your age, personal medical history, use of medications and other factors. Talk to your health care provider to discuss what your blood pressure target is.

If your reading is over 135/85 mmHg, with your at home automated device, take it a few more times and record the results. Contact your doctor with this information to verify if it’s a concern or not. If your blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mmHg, wait 5 minutes and then retake your blood pressure. If your reading remains high, you may be experiencing a hypertensive crisis and should contact your doctor immediately.

Important Information

Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your blood pressure management plan. PreCardix® does not treat, cure, or prevent medical conditions. Measure and monitor blood pressure regularly. Know the signs of heart attack and stroke.

Do not take PreCardix® if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have renal artery stenosis, have a history of angioneurotic edema, or have a shellfish allergy. Consult product guidelines for additional information. Print and share the product monograph with your healthcare provider.

PreCardix® is an innovation of Marealis Inc. a Norwegian Bio-Tech company dedicated to finding natural, sustainable, and effective marine-based solutions for blood pressure health, globally. Designed in Norway. Manufactured in North America.