Blood pressure measurement at home: 7 rules for an accurate BP reading

Not so long ago, blood pressure measurements were considered “accurate” only if they were done by a doctor but not anymore as these days.

There is evidence to recommend that routine home BP measurements are as good and probably better than those made in a doctor’s office however, for an accurate BP reading, some rules have to be followed. Dr Kaushal Chhatrapati, MD DM, FACC FSCAI FESC, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, highlighted those rules.

Cuff Placement: The BP cuff should be directly above the elbow. It should fit snugly without being tight. There should be no clothes between the cuff and the skin.

Take BP readings at the same time every day. Like morning, afternoons, and evenings.

Take care of Instrument and Patient Specific factors – A) Wrist (“Watch BP Monitors”) and Finger (“Ring BP Monitors”) are not validated. Do not use them. B) Choose a Validated BP Machine Model. You will find a list of Validated BP Monitors at validatebp.org. C) When selecting a BP instrument for pregnant ladies or kids, use a BP Instrument validated specifically for that population. D) Choose the cuff size proportional to arm circumference. Thin, average and obese people need different cuff sizes. This is very important as too-tight cuffs overestimate and lose cuffs underestimate BP.

Sitting Posture: sit with your back firmly supported and feet on the floor. Legs should not be crossed. The upper arm should be at the level of the heart, supported by a firm flat surface like a table.

If the Blood Pressure is over 180/120, measure again after 5 minutes. If the reading is persistently high, call the Emergency Service of a nearby hospital and get yourself examined. You may be having a hypertensive crisis.