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How to Take Your Blood Pressure at Home
How to Take Your Blood Pressure at HomeIf you have high blood pressure or are at risk for developing it, you may need to monitor your blood pressure athome on a regular basis. You can buy a home blood pressure monitor online-The American Heart Associationrecommends the website www.validatebp.org. Or you can buy a blood pressure monitor at your local retailstore and some pharmacies. Follow this checklist to take your blood pressure at home.DO: Sit still for five minutes before you monitor your blood pressure. Make sure your back is straight, with yourarm resting on a surface, and feet flat on the floor. DO: Make sure the bottom of the cuff is at the bottom ofyour upper arm at your elbow. DO: Monitor at the same time each day. Follow the specific recommendations ofyour healthcare provider on when and how often to check.DO: Record your readings so you can share with your healthcare provider at your next visit. Keep a written log,use the monitor memory storage, or use a digital app on your tablet or phone.DO: Contact your healthcare provider if your readings become unusually high. Normal blood pressure readingsare less than 120/80. Your healthcare provider may want you to bring your monitor to your next appointmentand show them how you take your blood pressure at home to ensure you are performing the check correctly.DO NOT: Drink Caffeine, exercise, or smoke for 30 minutes before you monitor. DO NOT: Cross your legswhile taking your blood pressure. It could affect the accuracy of your reading. DO NOT: Position the cuff overyour clothing. The reading results could be incorrect.Monitoring your blood pressure at home helps your healthcare provider determine the best treatment for you.Follow this checklist to make sure you are taking your blood pressure correctly.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59709A EN HowToTakeYourBloodPressureAtHome.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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