High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed as it can show no symptoms.

However, it can lead to severe health problems and increased risk of death if left untreated. Home blood pressure monitoring has become an essential tool in preventive care, especially for those with high blood pressure. Here’s why.

What is Home Blood Pressure Monitoring?

Home blood pressure monitoring is the process of taking blood pressure readings at home using a device called a blood pressure monitor.

Typically, blood pressure monitors consist of a cuff or strap that goes around your arm, a pump that inflates the cuff, and a gauge that displays the readings.

Benefits of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

The benefits of home blood pressure monitoring are many:.

Convenience: You can take readings anytime, without having to go to the doctor’s office.
Accuracy: Monitoring at home provides a more accurate representation of your blood pressure as white coat hypertension can lead to artificially high readings when taken in a doctor’s office.
Awareness: Regular monitoring promotes awareness of your blood pressure levels and helps you manage it better.
Early detection: Home monitoring can detect changes in blood pressure patterns, leading to earlier detection of hypertension.

Why is Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Important in Preventing Death?

According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher are considered high, and approximately 103 million American adults have high blood pressure.

It is a leading cause of death and disability globally, contributing to over 7.5 million deaths per year.

Home blood pressure monitoring can help detect high blood pressure early on, and with regular monitoring, it can be managed effectively.

Failure to manage and control high blood pressure can lead to many health problems, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.

How to Monitor Blood Pressure at Home?

Here’s how you can safely monitor your blood pressure at home:.

Choose a reliable blood pressure monitor. Speak to your doctor about what options are best suitable for you.
Ensure your blood pressure monitor has been calibrated accurately. Calibration is when the device is tested against another device and shows the same results.
Sit comfortably and still with your back supported and feet on the ground. Do not speak or move during the reading.
Wrap the cuff around your upper arm, snug but not too tight, and make sure the tubing is positioned correctly.
Press the start button on the device, and the cuff will inflate to a particular point. Once it deflates, your readings will display on the gauge.
Record your reading along with the date and time.

How Often to Monitor Blood Pressure at Home?

Your doctor will help determine how often you need to monitor your blood pressure, but it is recommended to take at least two readings daily, one in the morning and another in the evening.

Consistency is essential when monitoring blood pressure and make sure to record all readings regularly.

Conclusion

Home blood pressure monitoring is a valuable tool in preventing death and promoting good health. Regular monitoring can help individuals with high blood pressure manage their condition and take steps to improve their health.

Take the time to get a reliable monitor, understand the proper technique for taking blood pressure readings, and work with your doctor to interpret the results.