Measuring your blood pressure

If you have diabetes or hypertension, you need your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional at least once a year.

You can also measure your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. This can be a helpful way of seeing what your blood pressure is like in your daily life.

Some people find it stressful to have their blood pressure measured at the clinic. This can mean their reading is temporarily higher than normal.

You can also monitor your blood pressure at home and share your readings. This will give your healthcare professional a more complete picture of your health.

They will also be able to see how well your treatments or lifestyle changes are working.

Why is blood pressure measured?

Blood pressure is the pressure your heart uses to push blood through your blood vessels and around your body.

There are two numbers used to describe blood pressure. These are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

It’s written like this: 120/80mmHg. You might also hear healthcare professionals say, ‘One twenty over eighty’.

The first number is systolic pressure. This is the most pressure your heart uses when beating to push the blood around your body.

The second number is the diastolic pressure. This is the least amount of pressure your heart uses when relaxed between beats.

Generally speaking, the ideal blood pressure is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. For people over the age of 80, the ideal blood pressure is below 145/85mmHg.

It is essential to speak to your healthcare professional about your individual target.

Keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range is the goal. This will reduce the chance of developing complications from type 2 diabetes and hypertension.‍


How to measure blood pressure at home

Avoid measuring your blood pressure within 30 minutes of:

• Smoking
• Eating
• Doing exercise
• Drinking caffeinated drinks like coffee

These can all temporarily raise your blood pressure.

When you're ready, sit down somewhere quiet and comfortable.

Always use the same arm. If possible, the same arm your healthcare professional uses. And try to take the reading at the same time every day.

1. Place the cuff around your arm as described in the instructions of the device you have.
2. Place the arm cuff just above your elbow. The cuff should be about 2cm above your elbow to make sure it can detect the artery in your arm, just under the skin.
3. Keep still and quiet while you take your reading. Moving, chewing, talking and laughing can affect your reading. Make sure you don't cross your legs, as this will raise your reading too.
4. Take two or three readings, each about one to two minutes apart. If your first reading is much higher than the next, ignore it and take an extra reading.

How often should I do this?

This will depend on the advice that's specific to you. When you first start, taking readings in the morning and evening every day for two weeks can be useful.

At the end of the week, you will have a good picture of your normal blood pressure.

After the first two weeks, it might be best to take readings less often, once every two to three weeks.

Speak to your healthcare professional to find the best plan for you.