Simple Tips for Keeping on Top of Your Blood Pressure

Half of all Americans have high blood pressure – and many don’t even know it. 

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when blood flows through your arteries at higher than normal pressures. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

It's important to get an accurate blood pressure reading so that you have a clearer picture of your risk for heart disease and stroke. Adults should have their blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional. If your numbers are high, your provider may suggest self-measuring at home. Self-measurement provides more readings over a longer time, which better represents your true blood pressure.

Tips for Self-Measurement at Home

• Avoid exercising, eating a meal, drinking caffeine, or smoking for 30 min before. 
• If you are on blood pressure medication, measure your blood pressure before you take your medication. 
• Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder beforehand. 
• Find a quiet space with a table and chair and no distractions. 
• Sit in a chair with your back supported, legs uncrossed, and feet flat on the floor.
• Sit and relax for five minutes before taking your blood pressure reading.
• Measure on a bare arm when possible; do not put cuff over clothing.
• Rest your arm on the table so it’s supported with the cuff located at heart level.
• Keep your arm supported and your palm up during the reading

Remember, small changes in your body position, environment, or activities all have a potential impact on your blood pressure readings. Whether a measurement is being taken in a healthcare office or at home, proper technique is essential. Paying attention to these details can help avoid a misdiagnosis of hypertension and inappropriate prescription of anti-hypertension medication. 

Track, Trend, and Take Control of Your Cardiovascular Health

ADC's all-new line of Advantage™ Home Blood Pressure Monitors simplifies the process of home blood pressure monitoring. Whether you need basic, reliable tracking or more in-depth data and connectivity features, Advantage monitors make it easy to track, understand, and take charge of your health. 

• Advantage 6112: Your parnter in proactive health management. Delivers clinical accuracy and essential features in a simple, affordable design.
• Advantage 6121: Includes all the essentials plus advanced tools like MAM Advantage averaging and a color-coded hypertension indicator for clearer results.
• Advantage Connect 6024N: Pairs full-featured accuracy with Bluetooth technology and the ADC@Home app for seamless tracking and sharing of results.
• Advantage Connect 6115: A wrist model that offers on-th-go convenience with Bluetooth data transfer, audible readings, and advanced memory – perfect for travel or daily use.

Further Reading:

"What you need to know about self-measured blood pressure monitoring," American Medical Association

"Preventing High Blood Pressure," U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention