{"id":12445,"date":"2021-03-15T11:45:27","date_gmt":"2021-03-15T16:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=12445"},"modified":"2026-07-08T13:34:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T18:34:02","slug":"tips-for-monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/tips-for-monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Take Blood Pressure: Tips for monitoring your blood pressure at home"},"content":{"rendered":"

Understanding how to take blood pressure at home, doesn’t replace going to the doctor, but may give you a more accurate blood pressure reading. Being in a familiar place, where there are often fewer stressors, may provide a reading that better reflects your typical blood pressure levels.<\/p>\n

Learning how to to check your blood pressure at home can be helpful \u2013 especially if you struggle with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. According to Melinda Cooling, DNP,<\/a> the chief nursing and advanced practice provider for OSF HealthCare, this also gives you the opportunity to stay on top of your condition and recognize when it’s time to call your doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity for both your primary care provider and you to get a look at how your blood pressure changes throughout the day and what your trends are,\u201d Melinda said. \u201cTrends in your blood pressure are the most critical decision point for a health care provider.\u201d<\/p>\n

While monitoring your blood pressure at home helps in tracking your treatment, it also encourages you to have better control over your condition.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can gain a stronger sense of responsibility for your health by monitoring your blood pressure at home,\u201d Melinda said. \u201cIt could motivate you to properly take any medication you\u2019ve been prescribed, become more physically active<\/a> and follow a healthier diet<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Types of monitors<\/h2>\n

There are two types of blood pressure monitors you can consider for use at home. They are:<\/p>\n

Aneroid: These monitors have a cuff that you inflate and a dial gauge to read. While these types of monitors are inexpensive, they can be hard to read properly. They also should be adjusted or calibrated at least once a year.<\/p>\n

Digital: Easy to use and read. Most digital monitors can be used with one hand and are sensitive to the movement of the body. These monitors operate on batteries, which can make them a little more expensive. Melinda recommends talking to your provider to determine the best type of monitor for you to track and control your hypertension.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should also bring the monitor with you to your provider\u2019s office to compare it with what\u2019s used in the office,\u201d she said. \u201cThis will give you a better idea of the accuracy of the reading you get while at home versus in the doctor\u2019s office.\u201d<\/p>\n

Choosing the best time to take your blood pressure<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s helpful to take readings at the same time of day each day \u2013 or however often your doctor recommends \u2013 and keep those readings in a log.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can then share those readings with your doctor and together you can discuss any changes or further explore what you\u2019re doing in terms of your lifestyle that may be resulting in inconsistent readings,\u201d Melinda said. \u201cIf you have high readings for a couple days in a row, it\u2019s very important to contact your doctor immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding normal blood pressure by age<\/h2>\n

Blood pressure can naturally change as you age, so what is considered \u201cnormal\u201d blood pressure may look different for each individual. As you get older, monitoring blood pressure becomes an important part of maintaining overall health. Programs such as OSF CompleteCare 55+<\/a> support older adults by providing coordinated care and assistance with managing ongoing health conditions, including hypertension. By working closely with your care team and using digital monitoring tools, you can track changes in your blood pressure better and make more informed decisions about your health.<\/p>\n

Tips for buying a monitor<\/h2>\n
\"Monitoring<\/a>

Download<\/a><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

The American Heart Association (AHA)<\/a> recommends using an automatic monitor with a cuff that goes on your upper arm (bicep).<\/p>\n

Other things to consider:<\/h3>\n