Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

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The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for all people with high blood pressure to help their health care professional know if treatments are working. Home monitoring can also be used to confirm the diagnosis of high blood pressure. However, home monitoring does not replace regular doctor visits. Do not stop taking blood pressure medication without checking with your health care professional regardless of your readings during home monitoring.

Monitoring at home is especially important for:

• Anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure.
• People starting or changing high blood pressure treatment to find if it’s working.
• People who need closer monitoring. This is especially true for people with risk factors for high blood pressure and/or conditions related to high blood pressure.

Choosing a home blood pressure monitor

The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, upper arm (biceps) monitor.

• Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended. They give less reliable readings.
• Choose a monitor that has been validated. If you are unsure, ask your health care professional or pharmacist for advice or find options at validatebp.org (link opens in new window) .
• When choosing a blood pressure monitor for a senior, person who is pregnant or child, make sure it is validated for them.
• Make sure the cuff fits. Measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct cuff size.

Once you’ve purchased your monitor, take it to your next appointment.

Have your health care professional check to see that you are using it correctly and getting the same results as the equipment in the office. Plan to bring your monitor in once a year, or as directed by the company, to make sure the readings are accurate.

How to use a home blood pressure monitor

Discuss how to use your home blood pressure monitor with your health care professional. It’s important to have them make sure your home monitor is accurate and that you have the correct cuff size and fit. A cuff that is the incorrect size will cause an inaccurate blood pressure reading.

When preparing to take your blood pressure:

• Plan ahead. Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Empty your bladder.
• Don't take the measurement over clothes. Remove the clothing over the arm that will be used to measure blood pressure.
• You can use either arm. Usually there is not a big difference between readings on them.
• Be still. Allow at least five minutes of quiet rest before measurements. Don’t talk or use the phone.
• Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs. Support your arm on a flat surface. The middle of the cuff should be placed on the upper arm at heart level. Check your monitor's instructions for an illustration or have your health care professional show you how.
• Measure at the same time every day. Take the readings at the same time each day. Talk with your health care professional about how often to take your blood pressure.
• Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two readings one minute apart. Record the results using a printable (PDF) tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your medical appointments. Some monitors may also let you upload your readings to a secure website.

Know your numbers

Note: Only a doctor or other medical professional can confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis. They also can evaluate low blood pressure numbers.

Download this chart:

Know Your Numbers

Is your blood pressure in a healthy range? The best way to know is to get it checked.

Then, enter your numbers into this calculator to see which blood pressure category you are in.