Who should monitor blood pressure at home?
The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for all people with high blood pressure to help their health care professional know if treatments are working. Home monitoring can also be used to confirm the diagnosis of high blood pressure. However, home monitoring does not replace regular doctor visits. Do not stop taking blood pressure medicationwithout checking with your health care professional regardless of your readings during home monitoring.
Monitoring at home is especially important for:
- Anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure.
- People starting or changing high blood pressure treatment to find if it’s working.
- People who need closer monitoring. This is especially true for people with risk factors for high blood pressureand/or conditions related to high blood pressure.
Choosing a home blood pressure monitor
The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, upper arm (biceps) monitor.
- Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended. They give less reliable readings.
- Choose a monitor that has been validated. If you are unsure, ask your health care professional or pharmacist for advice or find options at validatebp.org(link opens in new window).
- When choosing a blood pressure monitor for a senior, person who is pregnant or child, make sure it is validated for them.
- Make sure the cuff fits. Measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct cuff size.
Once you’ve purchased your monitor, take it to your next appointment.
Have your health care professional check to see that you are using it correctly and getting the same results as the equipment in the office. Plan to bring your monitor in once a year, or as directed by the company, to make sure the readings are accurate.
How to use a home blood pressure monitor
Discuss how to use your home blood pressure monitor with your health care professional. It’s important to have them make sure your home monitor is accurate and that you have the correct cuff size and fit. A cuff that is the incorrect size will cause an inaccurate blood pressure reading.
When preparing to take your blood pressure:
- Plan ahead. Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Empty your bladder.
- Don't take the measurement over clothes. Remove the clothing over the arm that will be used to measure blood pressure.
- You can use either arm. Usually there is not a big difference between readings on them.
- Be still. Allow at least five minutes of quiet rest before measurements. Don’t talk or use the phone.
- Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs. Support your arm on a flat surface. The middle of the cuff should be placed on the upper arm at heart level. Check your monitor's instructions for an illustration or have your health care professional show you how.
- Measure at the same time every day. Take the readings at the same time each day. Talk with your health care professional about how often to take your blood pressure.
- Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two readings one minute apart. Record the results using a printable (PDF) tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your medical appointments. Some monitors may also let you upload your readings to a secure website.
Download a PDF sheet that shows you how to measure your blood pressure properly. Also available in Spanish and Chinese.
Know your numbers
Learn what the numbers in your blood pressure reading mean.
Blood Pressure Chart | BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC mm Hg (upper number) | and/or | DIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number) |
| NORMAL | LESS THAN 120 | and | LESS THAN 80 |
| ELEVATED | 120 – 129 | and | LESS THAN 80 |
| HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1 | 130 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 |
| HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2 | 140 OR HIGHER | or | 90 OR HIGHER |
| HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately) | HIGHER THAN 180 | and/or | HIGHER THAN 120 |
Note: Only a doctor or other medical professional can confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis. They also can evaluatelow blood pressure numbers.
Download this chart:
- English PDF|JPEG
- Spanish PDF|JPEG
- Traditional Chinese PDF|JPEG
If you get a high blood pressure reading
- A single high reading is not an immediate cause for alarm. If you get a reading that is higher than normal, take your blood pressure a second time. Write down the results of both measurements. Check with your health care professional to see if there’s a health concern or whether there may be problems with your monitor.
- If your blood pressure readings are suddenly higher than 180/120 mm Hg, wait at least one minute and test again. If your readings are still very high, contact your health care professional immediately. You could be having a hypertensive crisis.
- Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and if you are having new signs or symptoms that may include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Change in vision
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
Keep a blood pressure journal
One blood pressure measurement is like a snapshot. It tells what your blood pressure is at that moment. A record of readings taken over time provides a more complete picture of your blood pressure. This can help you work with your doctorto make sure that your treatmentsto reduce your blood pressure are working.
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.
See our editorial policies and staff.
Last Reviewed: May 20, 2024
FAQs
Proper positioning for accurate home blood pressure monitoring. The patient should be seated with their back supported, legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor, and arm resting on a flat surface. The cuff should be placed on a bare upper arm at heart level. Information from references 9 and 15.
Why is it important to monitor your blood pressure at home? ›
A record of readings taken over time provides a more complete picture of your blood pressure. This can help you work with your doctor to make sure that your treatments to reduce your blood pressure are working.
How often should you check your blood pressure at home if you have high blood pressure? ›
Home blood pressure testing
You can buy a variety of low-cost monitors so you can test your blood pressure at home or while you're out and about. Measure your blood pressure twice a day, ideally in the morning and the evening, while you're sitting down.
How do you measure blood pressure using the monitor correctly? ›
Stretch out your arm, palm upward. Place the cuff on your bare upper arm one inch above the bend of your elbow. Make sure the tubing falls over the front center of your arm so that the sensor is correctly placed. Pull the end of the cuff so that it's evenly tight around your arm.
Does drinking water lower blood pressure? ›
If blood pressure becomes elevated due to dehydration, it may be possible to help lower it by drinking water. Dehydration causes the blood to have higher than normal levels of sodium. When this happens, the brain sends signals to the pituitary gland to secrete vasopressin, also called antidiuretic hormone.
What is the most accurate blood pressure monitor for home use? ›
Compare
| | Ease of Use |
|---|
| Most Accurate: Omron Upper Arm Gold Blood Pressure Monitor | $78 at Amazon | 5 |
| Best Data Storage: Microlife Watch BP Home | $100 at steeles.com | 4.5 |
| Best Talking Monitor: A&D Talking Blood Pressure Monitor | $83 at Amazon | 5 |
| Best for Multiple Users: Omron Evolv | $69 at Amazon | 5 |
2 more rowsJun 11, 2024
Patients who are new to home blood pressure testing should check their blood pressure a few times daily for about a week. But too much monitoring could cause anxiety in some patients, which could elevate their blood pressure.
What is home blood pressure monitoring? ›
Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is a self-monitoring tool that can be incorporated into the care for patients with hypertension and is recommended by major guidelines.
Does coffee raise blood pressure? ›
Some research suggests coffee can lower the risk for high blood pressure, also called hypertension, in people who don't already have it. But drinking too much coffee has been shown to raise blood pressure and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and trouble sleeping.
Should I worry if my blood pressure is 150/80? ›
Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”
Blood pressure measurements that are higher at your home than at your health care provider's office could be caused by an error in measuring your blood pressure at home. It also might be due to a decrease in your stress level at your provider's office.
Is 150-90 BP normal for senior citizens? ›
For an average person, a normal blood pressure reading would be 120/80, with 121-139/80-89 being prehypertension. 140/90 and anything over it is termed as high blood pressure or hypertension. However, a slightly higher range of blood pressure (140-150/90-96) is still acceptable for older adults.
What is the best way to monitor blood pressure at home? ›
For the most reliable blood pressure measurement, the American Heart Association recommends using a monitor with a cuff that goes around your upper arm, when available. For people who can't check blood pressure at home, many pharmacies and stores have public blood pressure devices.
What time is blood pressure usually the highest? ›
Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.
What is a good blood pressure by age? ›
Normal blood pressure range by age and gender
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|
| 18–39 years | 110/68 mm Hg | 119/70 mm Hg |
| 40–59 years | 122/74 mm Hg | 124/77 mm Hg |
| 60+ years | 139/68 mm Hg | 133/69 mm Hg |
For the most reliable blood pressure measurement, the American Heart Association recommends using a monitor with a cuff that goes around your upper arm, when available. For people who can't check blood pressure at home, many pharmacies and stores have public blood pressure devices.
What time of day is your true blood pressure? ›
Proper timing: Blood pressure is often highest early in the morning – 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. – so choose another time to take it. Be consistent: Take your blood pressure at the same time of day. Discuss with your health care provider how often you should measure your blood pressure.
How do I know if my home blood pressure monitor is accurate? ›
Is your device accurate? If you have a blood pressure monitor, look it up on one of the device lists to see if it's validated for accuracy. If it doesn't show up, it's probably not validated. But there's still a chance it's accurate.
What should I do if my BP is 140-90? ›
If you have a BP of 140/90, that is considered high blood pressure and you should discuss this with your doctor. The first thing that is usually recommended for people with high blood pressure to do is lifestyle changes such as: Maintaining a healthy weight. Consuming a healthy balanced diet low in salt.
