How to check our blood pressure using a digital BP monitor

Checking you blood pressure at home may sound simple - but doing it incorrectly may give us misleading results!

I often see patients worried about "high BP" when the problem isn't really their blood pressure.... It's how it was measures.

Today, we're going to fix that!

A digital blood pressure monitor is a great tool - but only if used the right way. An incorrect method can lead to false elevated readings. Miss real episodes of hypertension and cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. The good news? You don't need to be a healthcare worker to do this properly!

What we need before we start monitoring our blood pressure like a pro! We need of course our own digital blood pressure monitor, a quiet place, a chair with back support (for comfort) and 5 minutes of rest. Before taking your blood pressure the following must be avoided since they may falsely elevated the blodo pressure: 1. drinking coffee or energy drinks, 2. Smoking or vaping, 3. Exercise. So now that we know what are the do's and don'ts before taking the blood pressure, let's get on the step-by-step approach on how to check your blood pressure!

What we need before we start monitoring our blood pressure like a pro! We need of course our own digital blood pressure monitor, a quiet place, a chair with back support (for comfort) and 5 minutes of rest. Before taking your blood pressure the following must be avoided since they may falsely elevated the blodo pressure: 1. drinking coffee or energy drinks, 2. Smoking or vaping, 3. Exercise. So now that we know what are the do's and don'ts before taking the blood pressure, let's get on the step-by-step approach on how to check your blood pressure!

1. Sit the Right way

Sit upright with your back supported. Keep both feet flat on the floor and do not cross the legs. Sit and relax for at least 5 minutes before pressing anything.

2. Position your arm Correctly

Rest your arm on a table. Always note that the cuff should be at the heart level for an accurate reading. Palm should be on a resting position facing forward. If your arm is too low or high, readings may be inaccurate.

3. Place the Cuff Properly

Wrap the cuff on your bare upper arm. The bottom of the cuff should be 2 to 3cm above the elbow. It should be snug - but not tight. A rough estimate to identify if the cuff is to tight or too loose is that you can fit approximately 2 fingers inside. Do not place the cuff over clothing.

4. Stay still and quiet

Do not talk. Do not move and just breath normally. Talking or moving can raise your blood pressure reading.

5. Press Start and Wait

Let the monitor inflate and deflate on its own. Once down, we can see the systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number). Some blood pressure monitor also show the pulse rate.

How many readings should we take? Technically, we don't rely on just one. It is a best practice to take 2 readings with a 1-minute interval. Ideally we record the average of the 2 readings. The usual timing that I recommend my patients to check their blood pressure is in the morning before getting out of bed and in the evening before sleeping.

If you see that your blood pressure reading is consistently above 130/80mmHg, with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, chest discomfort or shortness of breath, it is wise to consult a physician near you.

There you have it! Congratulations on achieving an important milestone in your life, this technique is life-saving not just for you but for your loved ones as well!

A digital blood pressure monitor is a powerful tool - but technique matters as much as the device!