Taking your blood pressure at home
A simple routine that gives your doctor numbers worth acting on.
Dr. Johnny Nguyen, with a TMU medical learnerReviewed by a physician, Sep 20262 min read
Clinic readings are a snapshot. Home readings, taken the same way each time, show the pattern your doctor actually needs.
The routine
Sit quietly for five minutes, feet flat, back supported, arm resting at heart level. Take two readings one minute apart, morning and evening, for seven days. Skip the first day when averaging.
The cuff
Use an upper-arm cuff validated by Hypertension Canada. Wrist cuffs are less reliable. Bring your device to a visit once so we can check it against ours.
What to bring
The seven-day log, on paper or in your phone. If the average is 135 over 85 or higher, book a visit. Readings above 180 over 110 with headache, chest pain or vision changes need emergency care.
