For most adults, a normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg. When your blood pressure stays high over time, it causes the heart to work harder, possibly leading to serious health problems. Sterling can make it easy to monitor your blood pressure at home, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
The American Heart Association recommends that all people diagnosed with high blood pressure regularly monitor their blood pressure at home to ensure that treatment is working. Check your blood pressure at the same time each day and keep a log of your readings. Make sure to contact your doctor if you notice any significant changes. Here are some tips for checking your blood pressure at home:
- Select a monitor that goes around your upper arm as wrist and finger monitors are not as accurate.
- Wrap the cuff over bare skin and not over clothing. The bottom of the cuff should be above the bend of the elbow.
- Sit quietly for five minutes with your legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor and support your arm at or near heart level.
- Do not smoke, exercise, or drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages prior to measuring your blood pressure and ensure that your bladder is empty.
Write down your reading or enter it in the blood pressure tracker on the Engage page in your Health Park portal. If your numbers are elevated, relax for five minutes and take your reading again.
For more information on how to understand your numbers, click here.
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