High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, which is why it’s called a “silent killer”. Checking at home helps spot it early and shows whether treatment is working. Small mistakes, though, can throw readings off.
Imagine your clinic reading always being high, but you feel fine. You buy a home monitor and take readings straight after climbing the stairs, coffee in hand. They’re high too. When you learn the right technique and rest first, your readings settle into a clearer picture you can share with your doctor.
Choosing a monitor
- Choose a validated, automatic upper-arm monitor (wrist monitors are less reliable)
- Make sure the cuff is the right size for your arm
- Check validation lists from organisations such as STRIDE BP or national heart foundations
How to take an accurate reading
- Avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before.
- Empty your bladder.
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes, back supported, feet flat, legs uncrossed.
- Rest your arm on a table, cuff on bare skin at heart level.
- Don’t talk during the reading.
- Take two readings a minute apart and record both.
- Repeat morning and evening for about a week before reviewing.
But what do my numbers mean?
Readings show two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg. Targets vary by guideline and your health, but as a guide, home averages at or above about 135/85 mmHg often suggest high blood pressure. Your doctor will interpret your average, not one reading.
Seek urgent help for a reading of 180/120 or higher with chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache, confusion, weakness or vision changes. If it’s that high with no symptoms, rest, recheck, and contact your doctor the same day.
Your next step: If you’re over 40 and haven’t had your blood pressure checked in the last year, check it this week, at home or at a pharmacy.
Sources: World Health Organization (Hypertension), American Heart Association (Monitoring your blood pressure at home), British Heart Foundation, International Society of Hypertension.
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