Pulse-Racing Facts That Will Pump Up Your Knowledge About Blood Pressure

9. Checking Blood Pressure Outside Of A Doctor's Office

Certain individuals may benefit from checking their blood pressure when they are outside of their doctor's office. At-home blood pressure monitoring can help patients who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, starting treatment for high blood pressure, have conditions related to or risks associated with high blood pressure, are pregnant, and may have white coat hypertension or masked hypertension. Individuals affected by arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation may not be good candidates for at-home blood pressure monitoring due to the inability of home blood pressure devices to provide an accurate result in these conditions. Some individuals may use public blood pressure machines like those found at pharmacies. Blood pressure readings outside a doctor's office should always be administered on the bare skin and not over any clothing. Patients should be aware it is normal for blood pressure levels to fluctuate.

10. Tips For Accurate Blood Pressure Readings

There are several things patients can do to ensure they get an accurate reading outside of their doctor's office. For instance, they should avoid smoking, exercising, and drinking caffeinated beverages within a half-hour of taking a blood pressure reading. Around five minutes of quiet time and rest is recommended before taking a blood pressure reading. Blood pressure should not be taken first thing in the morning. When taking a blood pressure reading, an individual should be sitting upright in a solid chair with both feet planted flat on the ground. Their legs should stay uncrossed, and their arm should be resting on a table or another flat surface at the same level as their heart. The cuff of the blood pressure monitor should be placed just above the bend of their arm. Individuals should take at least three readings at least a minute apart to ensure consistency. Blood pressure readings should be taken around the same time every day to be able to compare the results accurately. Patients should bring their monitor to their doctor's office at least once a year so they can compare the results and ensure they are taking their blood pressure correctly.