In the complex system that exists in the human body, there are some digital signals that alert us to the state of our health. One of the most prominent, often silent, is blood pressure. Unlike other indicators, such as pain or fever, it can decrease or increase, and remain so, without warning, although this varies from person to person.
However, thanks to a blood pressure monitor, people can check their blood pressure, even from the comfort of their own home. It's the ability to measure their blood pressure with complete peace of mind and comfort.
Health Care Empowerment Act
Learning to measure your blood pressure with the right tool is a technical skill, but also an act of empowerment. It's about understanding your health status to make more informed decisions about it. Of course, this doesn't replace a professional consultation with a specialist who will take steps to stabilize your blood pressure.
Now, before understanding how blood pressure is measured to determine whether or not you're at risk for hypertension , it's crucial to understand why this matters so much. The statistics don't lie here.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 and 79 worldwide suffer from hypertension. This is an alarming statistic, especially when these same statistics indicate that half of them may not even be aware they have it. For this reason, it is one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide and a key risk factor leading to cardiovascular disease and other serious problems.
Likewise, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has determined that, in the Americas, one in four out of ten adult men and one-quarter of women suffer from the disease.
How to take your blood pressure at home
To take your blood pressure at home, follow these steps recommended by experts, such as the American Heart Association and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO):
Preparation (30 minutes beforehand)
It is important to consider that 30 minutes before the measurement the following aspects should be avoided:
- Avoid smoking
- Do not do physical activity
- Do not consume caffeinated beverages
- Avoid alcohol consumption
Avoiding all of these things is important to prevent a temporary rise in blood pressure. This also helps ensure accurate measurements.
Proper posture
Posture also influences blood pressure measurement. Therefore, it's important to rest for at least five minutes before taking the measurement. And preferably, sit quietly without talking.
The following aspects should also be considered in preparation for taking the measurement:
- Relax
- Rest your arm on a flat surface, so that it is at heart level.
- Sit upright, with your back straight and well supported.
- Keep your legs apart and your feet flat on the floor.
- Place the palm of your hand facing up.
It's also important to sit on a flat surface, not a soft couch. And you should avoid staying on the edge of the bed. All of these measures help stabilize your blood pressure before you begin taking the actual measurement.
Correct placement of the measuring instrument
Now it's time to use the measuring instrument correctly. To do this, place the blood pressure cuff above the bend of the elbow. It's important to wrap it over the bare arm, not over clothing. Therefore, if the person has an item of clothing covering their arm, they should roll it up or remove it if necessary.
It's also important that the lower edge of the cuff be approximately 2 to 3 cm above the elbow crease. This is crucial for locating the brachial artery when listening to or detecting (in the case of automatic measuring equipment) the heartbeat.
It's equally important to adjust the cuff correctly, without tightening it. To do this, once closed, you should be able to insert two fingers relatively easily between the cuff and your arm. If not, it must be readjusted to obtain a correct reading.
Blood pressure measurement
At this point, a properly calibrated and validated device, such as an automatic blood pressure monitor, should be used (a manual blood pressure monitor is also possible). To do this, the patient must remain still and silent after pressing the device's start button. It is important not to move or talk; instead, they should breathe calmly and relax.
According to the American Heart Association, it's recommended to take at least two readings, one minute apart, in the morning and before taking any medication. The same should also be done at night, just before going to bed.
Daily log
After taking the appropriate measurements, it's important to keep a daily log of your readings. This involves systematically organizing your blood pressure data, which is invaluable for any physician. At this point, it's essential to note the following:
- Systolic reading
- Diastolic reading
- Date and time of each reading
- Heart rate
As a final recommendation, it's also important to measure your blood pressure at the same time every day. This way, you can keep an accurate record at all times.