High blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor making the largest contribution to the burden of disease, disability and death globally; hence, the importance of monitoring this critical physiological measure across many clinical conditions. Per CDC.gov 6 in 10 adults in the US have a chronic condition.
To maintain or get on the path to wellness it’s critical to monitor key vitals – one of the most important is your blood pressure. Let’s review the do’s and don’t of taking you blood pressure:
- American Heart Association suggest a person should measure their blood pressure at least twice daily.Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medications. Take it again in the evening. Your health care provider might recommend taking your blood pressure at the same time each day.
○ Each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are the same.
○ Newer blood pressure measure devices have a triple measure feature,
- What is the preferred time to capture your Blood pressure? Don’t measure your blood pressure right after you wake up. Prepare for the day, but don’t eat breakfast or take medications before measuring your blood pressure. If you exercise after waking up, take your blood pressure before exercising.
- Should you avoid or defer any activity before taking your blood pressure? Avoid food, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol for 30 minutes before taking a reading. Also, empty your bladder first. A full bladder can increase blood pressure slightly.
- Sit quietly before and during monitoring.When you’re ready to take your blood pressure, sit for five minutes in a comfortable position with your legs and ankles uncrossed. Your back should be supported against a chair. Try to be calm and not think about stressful things. Don’t talk while taking your blood pressure.
- Make sure your arm is positioned properly.Always use the same arm when taking your blood pressure. Rest your arm, raised to the level of your heart, on a table, desk or chair arm. You might need to place a pillow or cushion under your arm to raise it high enough.
- Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing.
When selecting which blood pressure device, it’s best to choose one that is interoperable with cloud-based software so that you can track each recording and you can share this information with your provider. GenieMD Remote Care app, available on IOS and Android, supports applicable medical device integration and centralized storage of your vitals and medication records.
The following is an American Heart Association Chart that provides guidance to help interpret your blood pressure reading.
GenieMD’s Remote Patient Monitoring and Chronic Care Management services has achieved industry leading outcomes driven by our unique engagement practices.
Nicole Guethler, Sr Manager, Patient Experience at GenieMD.