If you don’t feel confident in your at-home blood pressure readings, you’re not alone. By nature, readings can vary throughout the day. Other factors including checking technique can impact your readings as well. This can lead to confusion and frustration—but it doesn’t have to.
This guide is designed to help you get at-home readings that you can trust. We hope you’ll feel empowered to monitor your blood pressure at home. Doing so will be an important part of your blood pressure management plan.
Why is accuracy so important?
Care providers often rely on home blood pressure data to track the progress of people with hypertension. Inaccurate readings can lead to false assumptions and misguided advice. They can even lead to unnecessary prescriptions. Taking steps to make sure your readings are as accurate as possible can help you get appropriate support.
What do we mean by accurate?
The HT945 monitor used by Teladoc Health has been:
- Cleared by the FDA
- Validated for clinical accuracy using international criteria.
- Validated by criteria developed by the American Medical Association.
These standards ensure that readings are within range of the actual blood pressure. Using correct checking techniques is key to ensuring accuracy.
Who benefits from at-home monitoring?
At-home monitoring can be valuable for anyone with hypertension. It can be extra valuable for those with “white coat hypertension.” This means having high blood pressure readings in the doctor’s office only. Out of the office, blood pressure readings are not high. This can happen in people who are not taking medication for hypertension. For those who experience white coat hypertension, it can be useful to track blood pressure at home.
How to know whether your arm cuff fits properly:
A blood pressure cuff that’s too big will give falsely low readings. A cuff that’s too small will give readings that are falsely high. The HT945 blood pressure monitor used by Teladoc Health should fit anyone whose arm measures 8.6-17.7 inches around (22-45 cm).
Your cuff should feel snug but not so tight that you can’t fit two fingers under the bottom edge of the cuff. If it’s too big or small, try opening the cuff and loosening it fully. Re-position your arm with your palm facing up and tighten the cuff evenly by pulling on the end. Wrap the end of the cuff around your arm to keep it secure.
How to get the most accurate readings possible:
Improper technique can lead to inaccurate readings. Here are some tips to help you get an accurate reading.
Preparing for your measurement:
- Avoid caffeine and exercise for at least 30 minutes before.
- Rest for at least 5 minutes before.
- Empty your bladder.
Securing your cuff:
- Plug the connector on the cuff tube into the device.
- Remove or adjust clothing or jewelry on your upper left arm. Make sure a rolled-up sleeve isn’t constricting your blood flow.
- Open the cuff and loosen it fully.
- Make sure the tube is exiting toward your hand.
- Place your arm through the cuff loop. Your palm should be facing up.
- Position the cuff’s edge about an inch (2-3 cm) above the elbow.
- Align the tube with the center of your arm.
- Tighten the cuff evenly around your arm by pulling on the end. Make sure the tube stays aligned with the center of your arm.
- Wrap the end of the cuff over your arm to secure it in place. It should be snug but not too tight.
- You should be able to slip two fingertips under the bottom edge of the cuff
Taking your measurement:
- Lay your arm on a table with your palm facing up. The cuff should be at the same height as your heart.
- Sit up straight and rest your feet flat on the ground. Make sure the tube is not kinked or pinched.
- Press the START/STOP button on the device to turn it on.
- Wait for the device to power on. The device will take your measurement while inflating the cuff. Try not to speak or move during this time.
- When the measurement is finished, the results will be shown on the display. The cuff will automatically deflate.
- Remove the cuff after it deflates.
Remember:
- Don’t share your blood pressure monitor with anyone else.
- Make it a habit! Regular blood pressure monitoring can help provide anyone with useful information. For people with hypertension, checking at least once a week is linked with better blood pressure management. Talk to your Teladoc Health care provider to decide what checking schedule makes the most sense for you.
Suspect your monitor is not correct? You can try these steps:
- Confirm you are using the monitor correctly. This includes proper cuff placement, sitting position and remaining still during measurement.
- Measure your blood pressure a few times if your monitor is new. Your first few measurements may not be accurate due to the stiffness of the cuff. That should improve after a few tests.
- Ask your doctor to compare the Teladoc Health monitor with an auscultatory blood pressure monitor.
- If problems persist, contact Customer Service for more help.
What do your readings mean?
A reading of 130/80 or more is high blood pressure. This is also called hypertension. Is your blood pressure high? Then it’s important to work with a Teladoc Health care provider. They’ll help you get your numbers into a healthy range.
Top 4 lifestyle factors that lead to higher readings:
- Drinking caffeine
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking or vaping
- Experiencing acute or chronic stress
*This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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