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Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood uses to push through your arteries. When it’s high, it may impact heart health. Home blood pressure monitors make it easy to stay on top of your stats without constantly needing to visit a doctor’s office. But using these devices comes with a lot of questions, including how to get the most accurate results and the best time to take your blood pressure.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all people who are diagnosed with high blood pressure monitor themselves at home. This helps to let healthcare professionals know if their treatment plan is working.
There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to methodology, but there are some general rules that healthcare providers suggest for home monitoring.
Meet the experts: Hoang Nguyen, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA; Rigved Tadwalkar, M.D., a consultative cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Dawn Warner Kershner, D.O., a cardiologist with The Heart Center at Mercy in Baltimore, MD
Whether your doctor recommended that you track your blood pressure at home or you’re just curious about your numbers, here’s what doctors want you to keep in mind about doing these tests on your own.
When to take blood pressure
There are a few different things to keep in mind when it comes to taking your blood pressure. The AHA recommends that you take it at the same time every day (this makes it easier to compare your numbers). It’s also important to take two readings a minute apart.
But it’s helpful to talk to your healthcare provider about when might be the best time for you, especially if you’re taking blood pressure medication, says Rigved Tadwalkar, M.D., a consultative cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.
“I usually ask patients to take their blood pressures at different times of day so I can make sure they are well covered for 24 hours,” says Dawn Warner Kershner, D.O., a cardiologist with The Heart Center at Mercy in Baltimore, MD. “I do not believe there is one best time of day.” There are factors like whether you’ve recently worked out or had coffee to keep in mind, though. (More on that in a moment.)
But Dr. Tadwalkar says it’s also important not to be obsessive about taking your blood pressure. “I advise people not to check their blood pressure too often in a day,” he says. It “almost invariably leads to higher overall blood pressure values,” Dr. Tadwalkar adds.
Understanding your blood pressure numbers
Your blood pressure reading is actually two numbers: the systolic (or top number) and diastolic (or bottom number). Your healthcare provider will usually talk to you about blood pressure numbers that they’d like for you to aim for. However, there are some universal numbers to keep in mind.
“The goal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, 100% of the time,” Dr. Kershner says. But slight variations aren’t always cause for concern. Speak with your healthcare provider to figure out what’s best for you.
Here’s a breakdown of what blood pressure readings usually mean, according to the AHA:
Low: Systolic of less than 90 mmHg and diastolic of less than mmHg.
Normal: Systolic of less than 120 mmHg and diastolic of less than 80 mmHg
Elevated: Systolic of 120-129 mmHg and diastolic of less than 80 mmHg
Hypertension (Stage 1): Systolic of 130-139 mmHg or diastolic of 80-89 mmHg
Hypertension (Stage 2): Systolic of 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic of 90 mmHg or higher
When to call a doctor
If you get a concerning reading, it’s usually best to wait a few minutes and take it again, just to be safe, Dr. Tadwalkar says.
But Hoang Nguyen, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, recommends contacting your doctor if your blood pressure is greater than 180/120 mmHg on several measurements while you’re seated.
“You should call 911 if these blood pressure readings are associated with symptoms…such as headache, vision changes, weakness, numbness, chest pain, or shortness of breath,” Dr. Nguyen says.
But if your blood pressure readings are also consistently elevated (just maybe not that high), Dr. Kershner says it’s also a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider about next steps. While foods that lower blood pressure may help, medication may be necessary.
Tips for taking your blood pressure
Doctors say there are a few important things to do to get an accurate blood pressure reading:
Make sure you have an arm cuff that fits well.
Remain seated quietly for at least three to five minutes before taking a reading (this gives you time to relax, Dr. Tadwalkar explains).
Put both feet flat on the ground and sit in a straight-backed chair.
Place your arm on a surface that’s about level with your heart.
Don’t check your blood pressure soon after having caffeine, exercising, or going through a stressful situation. These can raise your blood pressure and cause a false reading.
If you’re unsure about how to take your blood pressure at home or if you’re doing it properly, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider. But if you feel like you’ve got the process down, just be sure to carefully record your readings. Your doctor will want to see them at your next appointment to keep tabs on your progress, Dr. Kershner says.
Looking for an at-home monitor? Add one of these to your medicine cabinet:
Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor
$89.99 at amazon.com
Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
$39.99 at amazon.com
Blood Pressure Monitor Cuff
$33.99 at amazon.com
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