It is not difficult to measure pressure at home, but it requires an appropriate instrument; a blood pressure monitor, it is good if it has an automatic display. It is best to buy this type of apparatus at a pharmacy. For the measurement to be as reliable as possible, the following conditions must be met:
- prepare a notebook for writing, it should contain the date and time of measurement,
- measurement should be carried out at least 1 hour after a large meal,
- stress and physical exertion should be avoided prior to measurement,
- immediately before the measurement, rest in a sitting position for at least 5-15 minutes,
- the measurement is only performed at normal body temperature (no fever or cold),
- carefully read the operating instructions for the measuring device,
- the measurement is carried out on the left hand, before starting the measurement, remove the jewelery from it, roll up the sleeve of the clothes, the hand should be bare, bent and loosely resting on the level of the elbow bend,
- put the cuff on the hand according to the instructions, remember that it should not be too tight, because then the pressure measurement may be incorrect,
- during the measurement one must sit still, not move, breathe calmly, do not talk.
After a successful measurement and saving the result, wait 5-10 minutes and repeat the measurement.
In addition to measuring pressure, we measure the pulse at the same time, the correct value is 60-70.
It is best to take measurements under similar conditions and at the same time of day, e.g. in the morning and in the evening. We present the record from a longer period of time to the cardiologist.
