HEART HEALTH · 4 MIN READ
How to check your blood pressure correctly at home
Home readings are often more accurate than clinic readings — but only if they are taken the right way.
Why home readings matter
Many people have higher BP in the clinic simply because of nerves ("white-coat" hypertension), while others have normal clinic readings but high BP at home. A week of careful home readings gives your doctor a far better picture than a single clinic measurement — helping to avoid unnecessary medicines, or to catch high BP that would otherwise be missed.
Choosing a BP machine
Use an automatic upper-arm monitor from a reputed brand; wrist and finger devices are less accurate. Cuff size matters — a cuff that is too small gives falsely high readings, so measure around your upper arm and choose the matching cuff.
Bring your machine to your next appointment and we will check it against the clinic's monitor.
What counts as high?
On home monitoring, an average of 135/85 mmHg or higher is considered raised. Most people on treatment aim for below 130/80 at home, but your doctor will set a target for you.
Call us the same day if your BP is repeatedly above 180/110. Call 108 immediately if a high reading comes with chest pain, breathlessness, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech or confusion.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Seven steps to an accurate reading
- Rest for 5 minutes first Sit quietly with your back supported.
- No tea, coffee, smoking or exercise For 30 minutes before measuring.
- Empty your bladder A full bladder can raise your reading.
- Feet flat, legs uncrossed With your arm resting on a table at heart level.
- Cuff on bare skin Not over a sleeve — about 2 cm above the elbow crease.
- Stay still and silent Talking during the measurement raises the reading.
- Take two readings, one minute apart Morning and evening for seven days — and write them all down.