Please read the following instructions if you have been asked to provide home blood pressure readings.
Please monitor and record your blood pressure at home for 7 consecutive days (unless you have been advised otherwise). On each day, monitor your blood pressure on two occasions - in the morning (between 6am and 12noon) and again in the evening (between 6pm and midnight).
On each occasion take a minimum of two readings, leaving at least a minute between each. If the first two readings are very different, take 2 or 3 further readings. Record the lowest.
Please send your BP readings to selicb.bp-albion@nhs.net. Please discard the readings on day 1. Hence in total you should been submitting 12 readings in total (two readings for each day, am and pm, for days 2 to 7).
Taking Your Blood Pressure At Home
There are several simple steps you should take to make sure that your home blood pressure readings are as accurate as possible.
Before you take your reading:
- There are many factors that can make your blood pressure rise for a short period of time. You should not smoke, have a drink containing caffeine (such as coffee) or exercise for 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure reading. You should also avoid measuring your blood pressure when you need to use the toilet.
- It is important that you 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, or whichever arm they ask you to use.
- Do not wear any tight or restrictive clothing around the arm you are measuring your blood pressure in. For example, you should avoid rolling up tight shirt sleeves.
- You should rest for at least five minutes before measuring your blood pressure. During this time you should sit down in a quiet place, try to relax and avoid speaking to anyone.
Taking your reading:
- Place the cuff on your arm, following the instructions that came with your monitor. The bottom of the cuff should be approximately 2cm above the bend in your elbow.
- Make sure that you are sitting down when taking your blood pressure readings and that you have both of your feet flat on the floor. You should not cross your legs as this can raise your blood pressure. The arm that you are measuring your blood pressure in should be supported on a firm surface (such as a table or desk) with your palm facing up and the cuff should be at the same level as your heart.
- Take the reading, following the instructions that came with your monitor. When taking your blood pressure readings you should not talk and should try to relax.