How to choose the right blood pressure monitor?

For a list of clinically validated monitors visit https://bihsoc.org/bp-monitors/for-home-use/  or discuss with your pharmacy.

Where can you buy a blood pressure monitor?

You can buy blood pressure monitors directly from the manufacturer, form many local pharmacies, from pharmacies such as Christchurch Pharmacy and Boots either online or in large branches, or online from retailers such as Amazon and John Lewis.

Before using the blood pressure monitor

• Avoid things that can raise your blood pressure in the short term. Don’t measure your blood pressure within half an hour of eating, smoking, drinking caffeinated dinks such as coffee, or exercising. You should also avoid measuring your blood pressure when you need to use the toilet.
• Always measure your blood pressure in the same arm.  You should use the arm which your doctor or nurse uses when they take your blood pressure.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes. Avoid wearing tight or thick clothing, as this could affect the fit or the cuff around your arm and the reading.
• Rest for five minutes before you take your reading.  Sit down somewhere quiet, ideally at a desk or table.
• Make sure your arm if supported and at the same level as your heart. Position yourself so that your arm is resting on a surface and is at the same height as your heart. Keep your arm and hand relaxed, not tensed and feet flat on the floor.
• Make sure you are relaxed and comfortable
• Write down the numbers into your blood pressure diary below.

Using the blood pressure monitor and monitoring

You can access this YouTube video which shows how to use a blood pressure monitor: https://youtu.be/AXCFcftkric

1. Follow the instructions that came with your monitor
2. The cuff should be placed about 2cm above your elbow to make sure it can detect the artery in your arm
3. Keep still and quiet while you take your reading. Make sure you don’t cross your legs, as this will raise your reading.
4. Take at least 2 blood pressure readings, 1-2 minutes apart, each morning & evening, ideally for 7 consecutive days.
5. If the first 2 reading you take are very different, take 2 or 3 further readings.
6. Upload your readings onto the home blood pressure diary form. Do not round the numbers up or down