Mastering Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home: Are You Doing It Correctly?

October 22, 2023

by Cathe Friedrich

The rhythmic thump of a beating heart, the ebb and flow of blood coursing through our arteries – these motions sustain life. Yet in the busyness of daily living, it’s easy to neglect this vital infrastructure that operates nonstop beneath the surface. Your cardiovascular system is vulnerable. In fact, 6 out of 10 adults over the age of 60 in the United States have hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Like an unseen threat lurking in the shadows, high blood pressure is the “silent killer.” It’s a stealth condition with few obvious symptoms, even as harm silently accumulates over time. The result is a dangerous thickening and hardening of artery walls, setting the stage for heart attack, stroke, and other grave conditions.

That’s why monitoring your blood pressure is so important. But when it comes to blood pressure, a vital marker of heart health, the standard office visit measurement may not tell the full story. When the medical staff checks your blood pressure, they measure it at a single point in time and usually check your blood pressure in a single position. And the position they’re checking you in may not be the best for determining cardiovascular risk.

The Significance of Lying Down Blood Pressure Measurement

Traditional office readings where a doctor, nurse, or technician takes it while you sit in a chair or on an exam table may miss important clues. Checking it in a lying-down position provides greater insight, as recent research shows.

Blood pressure readings in a lying down position better detects cardiovascular conditions including coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and premature death. Uncovering these threats early gives the best chance for slowing down the process.

In this paradigm-shifting study, 16% of participants had high blood pressure only when in a horizontal position, not when seated or standing. This revelation raises a critical question: Could there be a substantial population at risk, slipping through the cracks due to the limitations of traditional blood pressure measurement? That’s the big question this study raises.

Check Blood Pressure in Various Positions

Rather than checking blood pressure in a single position, it’s best to measure it in various positions, including lying and standing. This is the best way to identify the people most at risk of cardiovascular disease based on blood pressure and not missing cases where treatment could be lifesaving.

The Essential Elements of Proper Blood Pressure Measurement

If you take your blood pressure at home, there are other steps you should take to get the most accurate readings:

Use the Correct Cuff Size

One size does not fit all when it comes to blood pressure cuffs. To get accurate readings, you need the right cuff size for your arm. Using an ill-fitting cuff can lead to erroneous results. A study that analyzed 165 U.S. adults found that using a cuff that was too small resulted in falsely elevated readings in 39% of participants. Conversely, using a cuff that was too large, missed detecting hypertension in 22% of people who had it.

When you’re selecting a blood pressure monitor, opt for a well-validated, upper arm cuff model. Wrist and finger devices often give inaccurate readings. You can check for updated validation listings to see which monitors have been properly evaluated. Regardless of which type you choose, make sure to work with your doctor to ensure you’re using it correctly and compare your at-home results to clinical benchmarks.

Proper training and technique will be key to success with home monitoring. Ask your provider to demonstrate the right way to position the cuff and take measurements so you can feel confident you’re getting precise readings. With the right monitor and good technique, you’ll be able to effectively track your blood pressure from home.

Relax Before Measuring Your Blood Pressure

Before starting, take a moment to collect your thoughts and center yourself. Find a calm mental space, free of distractions like phones, to take the most accurate reading. For best results, take 2-3 measurements spaced 1-2 minutes apart, discarding any anomalous high initial numbers. Stick to a consistent daily schedule, like morning or night, when your blood pressure is most stable.

Don’t Be Distracted

When getting your blood pressure checked (or checking your own), avoid talking or looking at your cell phone. Also, be sure to empty your bladder first before taking a measurement. Chatting or being distracted can cause your readings to be higher than normal. And having a full bladder can also temporarily raise your blood pressure. So, remember to sit quietly, put away your phone, and use the bathroom first. Then you’ll be able to get an accurate blood pressure reading. Taking these simple steps will help ensure the numbers you’re seeing reflect your true blood pressure.

Know What an Elevated Blood Pressure Means for Your Health

Monitoring your blood pressure at home empowers you to be an active participant in managing your health. But like any skill, it requires dedication to proper technique. Invest in quality, upper arm monitors suitable for home use. Make a habit of relaxing and clearing distractions before each reading. Check your pressure lying down, sitting, and standing to get the full picture. Record your numbers to identify trends over time. If your at-home readings consistently exceed the normal range, bring these records to your doctor.

High blood pressure is a leading threat, but it doesn’t have to be a silent killer if caught and treated early. With a commitment to proper home monitoring, you can gain priceless insight into the inner workings of your cardiovascular system. This knowledge is your first line of defense, the key to preserving the precious rhythm of life.

References:

Palatini P, Mos L, Saladini F, Rattazzi M. Blood Pressure Hyperreactivity to Standing: a Predictor of Adverse Outcome in Young Hypertensive Patients. Hypertension. 2022 May;79(5):984-992. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.18579. Epub 2022 Mar 17. PMID: 35296159.
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