Four Things You Need to Know about Measuring Blood Pressure at Home
In my 30-year career as a Registered Nurse, I’ve seen how small, simple actions can have a big impact on the overall health of patients. Limiting high sugar drinks, taking regular walks, meditating, and accurately measuring blood pressure are just a few. Monitoring blood pressure (BP) at home is an easy way to gain meaningful insight into your health, helping to ensure you receive the right treatment from your healthcare provider.
Read on for some blood pressure measurement resources and tips from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association.
1. Accurate BP Measurement Matters
Did you know millions of Americans could be misclassified as having high blood pressure due to measurement errors? A precise BP reading provides a strong foundation for making informed decisions about your health. Discrepancies can affect diagnosis and treatment decisions, sometimes leading to unnecessary prescriptions or missed opportunities to manage high blood pressure early. Collecting consistent, reliable readings at home empowers your healthcare provider to have a better understanding of your health outside the clinic. I recommend watching the Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Training Video.
2. At Home Monitoring Is Valuable
Routine home BP monitoring provides both you and your provider with consistent insights into how your blood pressure trends over time. It can reveal how factors like stress, diet, and physical activity influence your blood pressure. Self-measured readings also give your healthcare provider valuable data to guide treatment, empowering you to take an active role in managing your health.
3. Choosing a Validated Device is Key
Your readings are only as accurate as the equipment you use. It’s essential to select a validated BP monitor that meets established standards for precision. The US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing is a great tool to find devices with reliable accuracy. A validated monitor is a worthwhile investment to ensure your readings reflect your true health status.
4. Use Trusted Resources to Help with Tracking
Getting an accurate BP reading at home doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right technique and a little practice, it becomes an empowering part of your health routine. I recommend tracking your BP using this 7-Day BP Tracking Log. This useful tool makes it easy to stay consistent, track your readings, and share them with your healthcare provider. You can also find further guidance on the AHA and AMA websites.
Accurate BP monitoring is a proactive way to safeguard your health, and Catalyst Physician Group is here to support you every step of the way; if you need guidance or would like to discuss this further, visit any of our practice locations and our providers will gladly come alongside you in your health journey. Taking these steps will bring you closer to a healthier, more informed future.
About the Author: Danielle Smith, MSN, RN, FRE is the Chief Nursing Officer for Catalyst Physician Group and Catalyst Care Connect. With 30 years of clinical operations in the acute and ambulatory setting, Danielle provides strategic clinical leadership and clinical operations oversight, ensuring quality patient care and delivery of innovative clinical programs.
