Why Taking Your Blood Pressure At Home Can Be A Good Thing

High blood pressure, it truly is the silent killer. I would imagine that almost half of you reading this actually fall into the high blood pressure range. If you used to be borderline for high blood pressure then chances are you could be diagnosed with it. Not because you did anything but because they changed the guidelines for determining high blood pressure last year.

A lot of us have those home blood pressure cuffs. They actually work pretty well if you know how to use them. The proper use seems to come with a strong dose of consistency. That way you're measuring apple to apples, so to speak.

Experts in the field of hypertension suggest that you take your blood pressure reading at the same time every day. They also suggest you take three different readings and then take the average of your last two.

Some other advice we've found when it comes to taking your blood pressure reading at home is to make sure that you're sitting comfortably and not slouching. You want to make sure that your arm with the cuff on it is supported. It's also a good idea to use the restroom before you attempt to take you reading. We all know the kind of stress needing to pee puts on us right?

You also want to make sure that your legs are uncrossed and that you've got your mouth closed. That's right talking during your blood pressure reading can raise it by several points.

Use these tips as you see fit but only after you've discussed them with your healthcare provider. They can offer you the best advice when it comes to keeping your blood pressure under control and your health at its best.