Using a home blood pressure monitor is becoming common, but are you measuring your blood pressure correctly? According to Dr Dmitry Yaranov, a leading cardiologist, many individuals unknowingly make serious mistakes while checking their readings, which often results in unnecessary panic or even emergency room visits.
In a recent post dated July 28, Dr Yaranov emphasized that simply watching the numbers on a screen without following proper techniques can lead to misleading results. He noted that many people measure their blood pressure incorrectly — while talking, sitting improperly, or using the wrong cuff size.
To help the public measure their blood pressure more accurately, Dr Yaranov shared eight important guidelines to follow when using a blood pressure monitor at home:
- Sit in a chair with your back fully supported and both feet flat on the floor.
- Relax for at least five minutes before beginning the measurement.
- Keep your arm at the level of your heart, ideally resting on a table.
- Avoid talking, texting, or moving during the reading.
- Use a cuff that fits properly — it shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
- Take two to three readings, spaced one minute apart, to ensure accuracy.
- Record your readings in a notebook or let the device save them.
- Bring your monitor with you during your next doctor’s appointment so they can check its accuracy.
Bonus tip: Never check your blood pressure immediately after exercising, having caffeine, or during emotional stress like an argument. These moments cause spikes that don’t reflect your normal resting pressure. “That’s not your pressure — that’s adrenaline,” Dr Yaranov warns.
His final advice is clear and firm: “Don’t guess. Don’t Google. Don’t gamble. Know your numbers — and measure them right.”
Understanding Blood Pressure Ranges
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, blood pressure readings are made up of two numbers — systolic and diastolic. Here’s a quick guide:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120–129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
- High Blood Pressure Stage 1: 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic
- High Blood Pressure Stage 2: 140 or more systolic or 90 or more diastolic
- Hypertensive Crisis: Over 180 systolic or over 120 diastolic — seek immediate medical attention
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general health awareness and is not a substitute for medical consultation. Always speak with a licensed healthcare provider regarding your health.
