When is the best time to measure blood pressure?
The morning (say 8am). The best time to measure blood pressure is usually in the morning, before eating or taking medication. This helps to balance out the normal fluctuations of BP through the day.
It is important to monitor your own blood pressure
And write it down! They can buy a BP machine from many chemists or large supermarkets or Amazon – prices vary, approximately £20-£40. ‘A&D’ is a good make.
Show your BP records to your doctor or nurse – whoever is helping you look after your BP.
How (and when) to measure your own blood pressure
For accurate readings:
- Frequency – measure it once a week until it reaches the target given to you; then once a month, then once every three months. Unless asked by your doctor, do not take it too frequently
- Relax – go someone where you are relaxed, with no one talking to you
- Arm – same arm. Wear a t-shirt or similar. Keep your arm at heart level and relaxed
- Time – same time of day – as we said above, first thing in the morning is good. Measure it on the same day of the week, if that makes it easier to remember
- Three times – measure it three times, and take the lowest (usually the last one).
Write it down, and compate it to previous ones. Show them to your doctor when you see them next.
[“We have got that now, thankyou!” OK, MyHSN Ed]
Note. Even a relatively small decrease in blood pressure can have significant health benefits.
