What type of blood pressure monitor should I buy? There are many blood pressure monitors for sale in Canada.

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1 Hypertension CANADA Measure BP at Home Why should I measure my blood pressure at home? Measuring my blood pressure at home helps my health care provider and I to understand how well controlled my blood pressure is on a day-to-day basis. It also shows how lifestyle changes and medications help to control my blood pressure. My health care provider may ask me to measure and record my blood pressure twice a day for at least one week before each appointment. This shows how well my blood pressure is controlled during my daily routine. Ask my health care provider if I should measure my blood pressure at home. Some very anxious individuals or those with disabilities may have problems measuring their blood pressure. What type of blood pressure monitor should I buy? There are many blood pressure monitors for sale in Canada. I will ask my health care provider which blood pressure monitor is right for me. TM To ensure I buy an accurate monitor, I will look for this logo. A basic model costs approximately $100. A device with more features may suit me best but may be more expensive. Home blood pressure monitors are either semi-automatic or automatic. I must squeeze a bulb to pump up the pressure when using a semi-automatic device. Canadian Hypertension Education Program CHEP

2 Automatic monitors are easier to use, but tend to be more expensive than semi-automatic monitors. Blood pressure cuffs come in different sizes. It is very important that the cuff fits my arm properly. The wrong cuff size will give me incorrect readings. It is important to measure arm circumference to buy the right cuff. Take the measurement midway between the shoulder and elbow (see Figure 1). I will ask my pharmacist to help me choose the right size cuff. FIGURE 1: Choosing the right cuff size for blood pressure measurement My arm circumference is cm/in

3 FIGURE 2: Measuring Blood Pressure The Right Way Comfortable with no distractions or talking Arm supported at heart level Seated with back support Feet flat on the floor

4 How do I measure my blood pressure with a home monitor? I will... Follow the directions that come with the device. Only measure and record my blood pressure if I have time to do it correctly. Rest and relax for 5 minutes in a quiet comfortable place with no distractions before measuring my blood pressure. Not talk or watch TV while resting or measuring my blood pressure. Wait for at least two hours after a big meal and for at least half an hour after drinking coffee or smoking. Empty my bladder or bowels if I am uncomfortable before taking a reading. Put the cuff on a bare arm. Not measure blood pressure when I am uncomfortable, cold, anxious, stressed or in pain. Sit in a chair that supports my back and beside a table that can support my arm. If required put a pillow or towel under my arm so that it rests at heart level. I will not cross my legs (see Figure 2 on page 2). Measure blood pressure in the morning before taking medications and eating, and in the evening before going to bed, bathing or taking medications. Take at least two readings and record them with the date and time.

5 Every year, I will have the accuracy of my home monitor checked by a health care professional as well as check the instructions for measuring blood pressure to make sure I am still measuring my blood pressure properly My target ( healthy ) HOME blood pressure is < / mm Hg A diagnosis of high blood pressure (hypertension) may be based upon: Blood pressure readings taken at the health care provider s office. Blood pressure readings taken at home with a personal blood pressure monitor. Blood pressure readings taken with an ambulatory blood pressure monitor (a device worn for 24 hours that takes measurements automatically at regular intervals during the day and night). If I am diagnosed with high blood pressure I should: 1. Talk with my health care provider. Learn what my blood pressure should be and what my numbers are now. 2. Learn how to monitor my blood pressure at home. 3. Keep a record of my blood pressure and show it to my health care provider at each appointment (see BP log on page 4). 4. Make healthy lifestyle changes. 5. Take my medications (if any are prescribed) as instructed by my health care provider and keep a current list of my medications with me including the name, dose and how often I take them. Report any side effects I may experience. Show this record to my health care provider at each appointment.

6 My target home blood pressure is less than / mm/hg. Systolic Diastolic I use my Right Left arm REST for 5 minutes before taking the first blood pressure reading (). WAIT 1 minute before taking the second blood pressure reading (). MEASURE before taking your blood pressure medication & before eating or 2 hours after eating. TAKE your blood pressure 10 to 12 hours apart when doing AM & PM measurements. READ How to Measure Your Blood Pressure at Home for more information about proper home blood pressure measurement technique at BRING my log and my medications to every appointment with my health care professional.

7 Example: MORNING EVENING DATE TIME Systolic Diastolic COMMENTS TIME COMMENTS COMMENTS Systolic Diastolic COMMENTS BP BP BP BP June15th 8:00 AM Meds at 9 AM 8:00 PM Upset Average Average

8 This resource is produced by Hypertension Canada with unrestricted support from Servier Canada Inc. P1006EN2011 COPAT5512E Hypertension Canada th Avenue Markham, ON L3R 9Y5 Phone: Fax: