One blood-pressure reading is not the whole story: preparing home readings

One blood-pressure reading does not always explain the full picture. Blood pressure changes throughout the day and from one day to the next. Your position, rest before measuring and measurement technique can also affect the result.

Readings taken under similar conditions and recorded over several days give a health professional more useful information than one isolated number.

Set up for a reliable reading

Use a validated device with a cuff that fits your arm. Place it on bare skin. Sit quietly for five minutes with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor. Support your arm so the cuff is at heart level. Avoid talking during the measurement.

Record a series of readings

Take two readings about one minute apart and record the date and time. A common protocol is to repeat the measurements in the morning and evening for seven days. Keep all readings and follow your health professional’s instructions for calculating an average and timing measurements around your medications.

Prepare for your appointment

Keep your readings log and medication list available, including doses, timing and any missed doses. Note your questions, new symptoms and recent changes. Do not change your treatment because of one reading without professional advice.

Where does a MedVibe consultation fit?

For a non-urgent question about your readings or follow-up for known high blood pressure, an eligible adult located in a province MedVibe serves can request a general consultation when virtual care is appropriate. The clinician determines whether an in-person assessment, testing or other follow-up is needed.

When to seek care

Chest pain, serious trouble breathing, sudden weakness on one side or difficulty speaking requires urgent help: call 911. Do not wait to finish a series of readings. For a non-urgent health question in Quebec, Info-Santé 811, option 1, can help you find appropriate care.