Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home

We produce and distribute an information flier — “Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home”.

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Contents

Below is the contents of the information flier — “Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home”.

Blood Pressure Facts

• Blood pressure changes during the day. It is lowest as you sleep and rises when you get up. It also can rise when you are excited, nervous, or active.
• Blood pressure is stated as two numbers. Systolic is the first number. Diastolic is the second number.
• Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against your artery walls. The pressure is highest when your heart beats (systolic) and lower when your heart rests (diastolic).

What you need

• Home blood pressure monitors are available at most pharmacies.
• Ask your pharmacist which model would suit you best.
• If you have a large upper arm, check that the monitor’s cuff is large enough.
• Upper arm monitors are easier to use and tend to be more accurate than wrist or finger monitors.
• Take your monitor to your next doctor’s appointment so its accuracy can be checked.

Before taking readings

• Do not drink caffeine or smoke for at least 30 minutes.
• Remove tight fitting clothes from your arm.
• Go to the bathroom before the reading. Having a full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
• Sit with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor and rest for 5 minutes before taking your reading.

Taking readings

• Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart.
• Try to take your readings at the same time each day.
• Try to take a reading every day, unless instructed differently by your doctor.
• Follow the monitor’s usage instructions.

Recording readings

• Record the date and time of the reading, along with the systolic (higher), diastolic (lower) and pulse numbers.
• Make notes, such as stress or medication changes.
• Keep a journal of your readings, or if you have a computer, use a spreadsheet or special software such as www.my-blood-pressure.com
• Take your readings with you to your appointments.

Sources and Further Reading

• The National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute (NHBLI)
• The American Heart Association (AHA)
• The National Heart Foundation Australia

About Kellie

Kellie is 37 years old and together with her brother Steve makes up the My Health Software team.

She helps on the websites and gathering news for the programs. Kellie worked in the medical industry prior to having her two children (8 and 6) and has a strong interest in self awareness and management of health conditions.