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Monitoring at Home

PART 1 Self-Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

Hypertension is extraordinarily dangerous simply because it ordinarily has no symptoms, and the effects of untreated hypertension can be deadly. Many doctors recommend that patients monitor their own blood pressure with home blood-pressure monitoring kits, in part because being aware of their blood pressure can encourage people to stay on their medications and to live a healthy lifestyle. READ MORE

Self-monitoring shows you if your treatment is working and how well your hypertension is being controlled. By monitoring your blood pressure at various times during the day, you can see if there are times when your blood pressure spikes dangerously. If you find this to be the case, you should tell your healthcare practitioner.

Recording your readings in a blood pressure diary lets you see patterns in your blood pressure: when it surges, when it is lowest, and how you respond to stress, exercise, medications, and other factors. Keeping track of readings also lets you see how your blood pressure levels change over time and may alert you to the need for different treatment. LESS

PART 2 How Often Should You Check Your Blood Pressure?

It’s best to consult with your healthcare practitioner about how often you need to check your blood pressure. Doctors sometimes recommend you take your blood pressure at several points during the day, several times a week. READ MORE

Take your blood pressure at about the same time or times during the day. Blood pressure typically fluctuates during the day. Generally speaking, pressure is lowest at night, when you’re sleeping, and starts to climb in the early morning hours, reaching a peak in the afternoon.

Sometimes blood pressure peaks in the morning. This can be a predictor of stroke, so tell your healthcare practitioner if you find your blood pressure surges in the early hours of the day. LESS

PART 3 Types of Blood Pressure Monitors

There are three basic types of blood pressure monitors on the market today. They all have both good points and drawbacks.

Digital monitor with arm cuff. This is the most popular type of monitor.
Pros: Easy to use and read, fairly accurate readings if used properly
Cons: Some models are expensive, accuracy is lessened if you move, requires batteries

Aneroid (manual) monitor. This type of monitor has a gauge with a dial instead of an electronic readout, a built-in stethoscope, and a pump.
Pros: Less expensive than digital monitor, no batteries required, accurate readings if used properly
Cons: Difficult to use, may not be appropriate for the hearing-impaired

Digital wrist or finger monitors. These are smaller monitors that don’t require the use of an arm cuff.
Pros: More portable than other types, easy to use
Cons: Not very accurate because they are extremely sensitive to position and body temperature, some models may be expensive