Taking blood pressure readings at home is a valuable way to monitor your own health or that of a loved one. Whether you're caring for someone with a heart condition, helping an elderly relative manage their health or simply want to keep track of your own wellbeing, home blood pressure monitoring can provide crucial insights – while saving you a trip to your doctor. In many cases, it may even provide more accurate results than having your blood pressure checked in a stressful medical setting.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to take blood pressure at home safely, accurately and easily. Read on to learn everything you need to know, from when to take your blood pressure to interpreting the results.
The benefits of home blood pressure monitoring
Blood pressure monitoring at home offers many benefits. One of the main advantages is convenience, particularly for people with limited mobility or who live far from medical facilities. Rather than making frequent trips to the doctor's surgery, you can easily monitor readings in your own home.
It also means that you or your loved one can have blood pressure checks more frequently, allowing you to keep track of patterns and changes. This can help doctors get a better picture of your overall health and make informed decisions about condition management.
Home monitoring often provides more accurate readings than those taken in clinical settings. Many people experience a phenomenon called "white coat hypertension", where their blood pressure reading is elevated due to the stress of being in a medical environment. Taking measurements at home, in comfortable surroundings, often gives a more accurate picture of a person’s typical blood pressure levels.
Types of home blood pressure monitors
Upper arm blood pressure monitors
Upper arm monitors are often considered the gold standard of health and wellbeing aids for home blood pressure monitoring – these are the kind typically recommended by medical professionals and healthcare organisations. They consist of a digital display unit connected to an inflatable cuff.
These monitors are particularly suitable when taking readings for another person, as they're straightforward to position and operate. They generally offer clear, easy-to-read displays and often include useful features such as irregular heartbeat detection, automatic cuff inflation, and memory storage for multiple users.
The cuff should fit comfortably and snug around the person’s upper arm, so check the details before you buy. Our Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor has a maximum cuff size of 12.5”, though we also offer a Large Blood Pressure Monitor Cuff (sold separately) that fits arm circumferences up to 16.5”.
Wrist blood pressure monitors
Wrist blood pressure monitors provide a more compact alternative to upper arm devices. Many people find their portable size more convenient for travel and taking readings away from home. They also tend to be a more budget-friendly option (though price does depend on the model).
While upper arm monitors are more reliable, wrist monitors may sometimes be recommended for people who:
- Have larger upper arms or swelling in the upper arms
- Have limited mobility or pain that makes using an upper arm cuff uncomfortable
- Have had surgery in the armpit region e.g. lymph node removal
Correct positioning is important, as wrist monitors are more sensitive to movement and body position than cuff monitors. The device must be held at heart level to ensure accurate readings.
Modern wrist monitors have improved in accuracy, but they may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain heart conditions requiring highly precise measurements. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure of the best option for you.
How to check blood pressure at home
Before you start
For the most accurate results, check your blood pressure at a time when you are feeling calm and relaxed. Avoid taking a reading within 30 minutes of eating, drinking caffeine, smoking or exercising, and empty your bladder before you start.
First, sit and rest quietly for at least five minutes. You or your loved one should sit upright in a comfortable chair, with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Remove any tight-fitting clothing and rest the arm being used on a flat surface, such as a table.
Take measurements at the same time each day for consistency, and ensure the room temperature is comfortable. When assisting someone else, explain the process clearly so that they understand what will happen.
Taking your blood pressure reading
For upper arm monitors, place the cuff approximately 2-3 centimetres (one inch) above the elbow. The tubing should be positioned down the middle of the arm. With wrist monitors, secure the cuff over the wrist artery (radial artery) and hold your wrist at heart level.
Remain still and quiet during the measurement, as moving or talking can affect the reading. Take two to three measurements, waiting at least one minute between each one – this helps ensure accuracy and account for any natural variations in blood pressure. Some modern monitors, like the Beurer BM35, will calculate and display an average of your most recent readings for you.
Understanding the results
Blood pressure readings are measured in mmHg, which stands for millimetres of mercury. The reading will display as two numbers:
- The top number or first number is your systolic pressure: the pressure measured in the arteries when the heart pumps blood.
- The bottom number or second number is diastolic pressure. This shows the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.
A blood pressure reading is usually classified as ‘normal’ if the systolic measurement is between 90 and 120, and the diastolic measurement is between 60 and 80. However, the optimal range can vary considerably from person to person.
If you’re concerned about your results, speak to your healthcare provider. It can help to keep a detailed record of all readings, including dates, times and any symptoms noticed. Many digital monitors include memory features to store previous measurements, which is helpful for tracking trends and sharing the information with doctors.
Choosing the best blood pressure monitor
At Complete Care Shop, we offer a comprehensive selection of blood pressure monitors to suit your home monitoring needs. Our range includes both traditional cuff and digital wrist monitors, many with smart features like multi-user memory storage, dual ECG functionality, and Bluetooth connectivity for automatic measurement tracking on other devices.
Our knowledgeable customer service team can help you choose between our various models and find the right one for your needs. Visit Complete Care Shop today to explore our selection of blood pressure and health monitors, plus many other essential living aids to help make everyday tasks easier. For more information or product advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.
