WHY MONITOR YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE AT HOME?
Your blood pressure measurement varies throughout the day and a single blood pressure measurement taken in a doctor's office does not necessarily reflect whether you have normal or high blood pressure. Taking your blood pressure twice a week over a period of several weeks will give you and your doctor a better picture of how your blood pressure changes during the day.
Many people are anxious as soon as they enter a doctor's office. This may be reflected in a higher blood pressure measurement in the doctor's office than one taken at home. This is called "white coat hypertension". Taking your blood pressure at home in a relaxed setting can help differentiate if your blood pressure is elevated because of anxiety associated with the doctor's visit or if you truly have hypertension.
If you are taking medication for high blood pressure, checking your blood pressure at home will determine the effectiveness of the medication. In addition, if you are taking other medications, home monitoring will help watch for changes in blood pressure that may be a side effect of that medication.
Exercise, weight loss, stress, and work all effect our blood pressure. Home blood pressure monitoring lets you know how all this effects your blood pressure and helps you feel more involved and in control of your own health.
In summary, if you want to more accurately track your daily blood pressure readings, monitor the effect of your daily activities, lifestyle changes, and medication on your blood pressure, and be better involved and in control of your health, then home blood pressure monitoring is for you.