Blood pressure is the force your circulating blood exerts in your blood vessels and heart. High blood pressure is referred to as hypertension and low blood pressure is hypotension. Blood pressure is represented by two numbers, the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. The top, or systolic number, is the pressure when your heart is at work; the bottom, or diastolic number, is the pressure when your heart is at rest.

Your personal target blood pressure may be different because of various factors such as age and other health conditions. While 120/80 is considered an optimal blood pressure, Hypertension Canada guidelines indicate treatment for high blood pressure should begin at 140/90, and if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, treatment should begin at 130/80.

Electronic blood pressure monitors can be used at home to measure your blood pressure. The most common type consists of a cuff which is placed around your upper arm. The cuff automatically inflates and sensors transmit the blood pressure readings to an electronic display. By measuring your own blood pressure, you will become more involved in your blood pressure management.

And, if you experience “white coat” hypertension, that is high blood pressure in your doctor’s office, but not at other times, a home monitor may be a good idea for tracking your readings. Here are some tips on measuring your blood pressure at home: 

• Read the instructions, noting toll free numbers and websites for extra assistance. The website www.hypertension.ca evaluates monitors. 
• Make sure the cuff is the correct size and note that some cuffs come in arm shapes that are not ideal for home monitoring. 
• Before taking your blood pressure, sit quietly and relax for about 5 minutes with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor. 
• Don’t take your blood pressure if you are cold, in pain, anxious, or need to go to the bathroom. 
• Wait to take your blood pressure – 1 hour after physical activity, 30 minutes after smoking or drinking a cup of coffee. 
• Take your blood pressure using a bare arm with no constrictions like a rolled-up sleeve. 
• Support your arm on a table at your heart level. 
• Take at least two readings and record them in a blood pressure log. 
• Bring your monitor and blood pressure log when you visit your doctor or nurse and compare its reading to the one your doctor or nurse takes. 
• Avoid home blood pressure monitoring if you have irregular pulses, lack manual dexterity or have less than optimal eyesight required for using the monitor.