Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure

Checking Blood Pressure Outside Of A Doctor's Office

Certain individuals may benefit from checking their blood pressure when they are outside of their doctor's office. At-home blood pressure monitoring can help patients who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, starting treatment for high blood pressure, have conditions related to or risks associated with high blood pressure, are pregnant, and may have white coat hypertension or masked hypertension. Individuals affected by arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation may not be good candidates for at-home blood pressure monitoring due to the inability of home blood pressure devices to provide an accurate result in these conditions. Some individuals may use public blood pressure machines like those found at pharmacies. Blood pressure readings outside a doctor's office should always be administered on the bare skin and not over any clothing. Patients should be aware it is normal for blood pressure levels to fluctuate.

Get some tips for accurate blood pressure readings next.