Today The American Heart Association released a joint scientific statement saying people with high blood pressure need to routinely monitor their blood pressures at home to help manage their disease.
While the association has recommended the use of home monitors in the past, today's statement is the first time they've given detailed recommendations on their use. These include:
-Buying monitors with cuffs that properly fit on the upper arm
-Wrist monitors are not recommended
-Take two or three readings, one minute apart while sitting with your back supported, feet on the floor and arm supported at heart level
-Always take the readings at the same time each day or as recommended by your health-care professional
Blood pressure monitors, which have been recommended for their accuracy, include LifeSource UA-767 and Microlife--Model 3AC1-IPC.
Check this website for an up-to-date list of validated monitors: www.BHSOC.org
According to the association's statement, home monitoring can give a more accurate assessment of a patient's circumstance, which is particularly useful for the elderly, patients with diabetes or kidney disease, and for pregnant women.
Traditional methods of monitoring blood pressure in doctors' offices can be misleading because up to 20 per cent of people diagnosed with high blood pressure may have had a "white coat effect," which means their pressures are normal but rise abnormally in the medical setting.
Conversely, those with normal pressures may spike to dangerous levels in certain situations.
The American Heart Association's scientific statement was created in conjunction with the American Society of Hypertension and the Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses' Association.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
