How To Use Blood Pressure Journal
Experts recommend that people with high blood pressure monitor their blood pressure regularly at home, an important part of managing high hypertension. It can provide important information to your doctor to determine if the current treatment needs to change.
Our Blood Pressure Journal is a great help here; it not only focuses on recording blood pressure, but also encourages regular, mindful reflection - one mindful move at a time.
On the info page you can enter information for you and your healthcare provider. You can set target and alarm values with your doctor and record them here. If an alarm value is exceeded, the doctor's contact details are helpful. Contact your health care provider if you have any unusual increases in your blood pressure or if your blood pressure stays over the alarm value for more than 2 readings.
When should measurements be taken?
- measure your blood pressure at least twice daily
- take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medications
- don't measure your blood pressure right after you wake up, leave some minutes between
- if you exercise after waking, take your blood pressure before exercising
- avoid food, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol for 30 minutes before taking a reading
- it is recommended to go to the toilet first
- take it again in the evening When you want to take your blood pressure, prepare to sit for five minutes in a comfortable position with your legs and ankles uncrossed. Your back should be supported against a chair. Try to be calm and not think about stressful things. You can think about our weekly prompt during this preperation time.
How should measurements be taken?
- sit quietly before and during monitoring
- make sure your arm is positioned properly, always use the same arm
- rest the arm somewhere around the heigth of your heart, raise it with a pillow if necessary
- each time you measure, take two or three readings to make sure your results are the same
- wait 1 to 3 minutes between the readings
- the readings should be close together
- write the one reading and the time into this journal Take notes if there was something special, like a change in medication or a change in your exercise routine.
Remember, blood pressure varies throughout the day. Readings can be a little lower in the evening. Also, your blood pressure might be slightly lower at home than in a medical office. Ask your doctor how to you use the device, if you are not confident. It is important to learn to use your monitor correctly. If you drop the device or damage it, have it checked before using it again.