Reasons Why You Should Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home

First let me state I am not a doctor, nor do I have any formal medical training. I do have high blood pressure and after doing some research, I am writing this article to point out reasons why you should monitor your blood pressure at home. Check with your doctor before you take it upon yourself to perform home blood pressure monitoring.

Most people have their blood pressure taken at their visits to their doctors. With the loss of jobs and high costs of health insurance a lot of people are forced to forgo these visits.

Years ago my mother went through knee replacement surgery. I was working as a preschool assistant teacher and running back and forth checking my mom throughout the day and then back at night to make sure she ate her dinner. One day I was not feeling well and walked past a blood pressure machine at the supermarket. I took my blood pressure and was amazed to get a reading of 198/112. No wonder I felt awful. I had not been to the doctor in quite a while. I made an appointment and at that point started taking high blood pressure medication. I remember the doctor saying to me, "I honestly do not understand how you are able to sit here in front of me."

For the above reason I realize the importance for home monitoring. The machine in the supermarket more than likely saved my life. Below are reasons you might want to consider for obtaining a home monitor:

If you have a medical condition, such as kidney problems or diabetes, having a home blood pressure monitor could help you make an early diagnosis.

Even if you are being treated for high blood pressure having a home monitor will help you track your treatment. You would have access to important information between your doctor's visits. If you are on a program to lose weight and are currently taking medication you will want to monitor your condition often as with weight loss your dosage might need to be changed.

If you are performing home monitoring, and you are otherwise feeling well, you may be able to decrease the number of visits you make to your doctor.

Have you ever gone for your checkup and your blood pressure had been on the high side? Just the fact that you are in the doctor's office can cause anxiety and affect your reading. If you have a home monitor if the reading is different outside the doctor's office. This situation is called "white-coat hypertension.

There are various types of home monitors. If you are unsure of what will work best for you, consult with your doctor.

There is the cuff style. The cuff consists of an inner layer of rubber that fills with air and squeezes your arm. There is an outer layer, usually made of nylon, with a fastener that holds the cuff In place.

There is a gauge style. Your blood pressure monitor will either be digital or aneroid. The aneroid monitor has a gauge with a dial pointing to the number of your blood pressure.

Some monitors come with a stethoscope. This will allow you to listen to the blood flow through the brachial artery in the crook of your elbow. If you are not a trained medical person these sounds will be difficult for you to interpret.

Home blood pressure monitors are either manual or digital.

With the manual you will have to pump a bulb and check your blood pressure with a stethoscope. Manual monitors are normally less expensive.

Digital monitors have a cuff and a gauge that records the pressure. With a touch of a button the cuff will automatically inflate. Your heart rate will be calculated and this device will determine your blood pressure by measuring blood flow. The digital monitors can be used on your upper arm, wrist or finger. It has been determined that the arm cuffs are most accurate. When buying a monitor check the cuff size to be sure that it will fit your upper arm.

The costs of home blood pressure monitors may not be covered by your health insurance. Prices, depending on whether you go with the manual or digital style vary from $25.00 to over $100.00.

o After discussing your specific needs with your doctor and deciding on the best home monitor to purchase there are a few tips (listed below) to assist you for accurate use.

o Take your blood pressure twice daily, once in the morning before you take your medications and once in the evening. Always use your left arm.

o Your blood pressure is usually higher when you first get up so you should wait at least 30 minutes. If you exercise in the morning, take your blood pressure before exercising.

o Do not eat, drink caffeine, smoke or drink alcohol for 30 minutes before taking a reading.

o A full bladder can give you a higher reading, so it is a good idea to go to the toilet first.

o Sit quietly for three to five minutes before taking your pressure. Sit with your legs and ankles uncrossed in a comfortable position with your back supported by the back of your chair.

o Your arm should be raised to the level of your heart. You might have to use a pillow, table, desk or chair arm. The cuff should be placed on bare skin and not over clothing.

o While taking your pressure, do not talk. Wait two or three minutes after your first reading to repeat the monitoring to check the accuracy of the first one.

I hope this information will be helpful to you. I do want to stress that home monitoring should not be a substitute for your regular visits to your doctor. Do not change your medications or alter your diet without first consulting with your doctor.