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FAQ
Yes, if you have an automatic blood pressure monitor, you can easily do this yourself.
There are several reasons why you should have one. You can, for example, measure your blood pressure as often and whenever you want. Because you can take your measurements several times over a longer period of time, you can get more accurate readings.
Some people suffer from stress and nervosity when visiting the doctor, which means the blood pressure increases and can give an incorrect reading. When you’re at home, you’re in a more relaxed environment and can rely more on your results.
It’s important to double-check your results with your doctor if your readings are particularly high or if you’re unsure if your blood pressure monitor is working correctly.
To get a correct reading of your blood pressure, there are a few things to take into account:
- Don’t drink coffee for at least 30 minutes before taking the reading.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before taking a reading.
- Don’t take a hot bath or visit a sauna beforehand.
- Wait for at least 30 minutes after you have eaten.
- Avoid smoking at least 30 minutes beforehand.
3 tips when purchasing a blood pressure monitor
When purchasing a blood pressure monitor, consider if you want to measure your blood pressure on your upper arm or around your wrist.
Upper arm monitors are easy to place correctly.
Wrist monitors can be a bit trickier, a sensitive sensor needs to sit perfectly for the measurement to be correct. They are smaller and discreet, which makes them an ideal option if you need to take your monitor on-the-go.
Before purchasing a blood pressure monitor, consider which features you need. Here are some popular options available:
- Accompanying app – connect your blood pressure monitor to an app on your phone for easy viewing, analysis and saving of measurements.
- Multiple users – choose a model that allows for multiple profiles if several people in your household need a blood pressure monitor.
- Special measurements – some advanced models include features such as measurement of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia detector) and a detector for atrial fibrillation.
- Automatic switch-off and battery indicator – get a meter that alerts you when it's time to change the battery and switches off automatically after a period of inactivity.
While manual blood pressure monitors are considered to be more accurate and reliable, automatic models for home use have been developed to be highly reliable and precise.
When purchasing a blood pressure monitor, look for a clinically tested and approved model. This means that the monitor has been tested by an independent testing institute and conducts its measurements in a medically correct manner.
Good to know: Maintaining a healthy blood pressure range is important for overall health. Read more at British Heart Foundation website.