For those with heart disease or anyone who is required to take regular blood pressure readings, it is important to get as accurate a result as possible.
To ensure accuracy, there are a few rules to follow:
- Take your readings at the same time each day, such as morning or evening. Take two or three readings one minute apart each time and record all three results. Your healthcare provider can average your results and set your target goal.
- Sit with your back straight and supported and your feet flat on the floor; don’t cross your legs. Support your arm on a flat surface, with the upper arm at heart level.
- Make sure the middle of the cuff is placed directly over your brachial artery and fits correctly. To find your artery, put your hand out – palm facing up. Trace a line from the outside of your thumb, up your outer arm to the bend in your elbow. At that bend is your brachial artery.
- Do not smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within the 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.
If your blood pressure reading is higher than 180/110, it is an emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
To access a free chart in which to record your blood pressure readings, click here.
A home healthcare nurse at Live Free Home Health Care can also assist with taking and recording accurate blood pressure readings and reporting them to your physician. Live Free Home Healthcare in the Concord area takes pride in coordinating care seamlessly between your care providers.
Besides Concord, New Hampshire, we also service the rest of the Lakes region and central New Hampshire. Call us today at 603-217-0149.