If you’re hypertensive, whether you’re using lifestyle changes or medication, it’s helpful to take your blood pressure regularly at home.  “The patient spends a snapshot of their life in the office. They spend the rest of it somewhere else, so understanding what’s going on when the patient’s not in the office can be very helpful,” explains Wexler. He adds that if your blood pressure is only high when you’re at the healthcare provider’s office you certainly “don’t want to use medication and incur the costs and the side effects.” It’s also crucial to ask your provider what your target should be when you’re at home. Wexler says since people are more relaxed at home, their provider may suggest a slightly lower target than they’re aiming for at the office, especially if you have diabetes or reduced kidney function. Other tips for taking your blood pressure at home are:
Use an arm cuff as opposed to a wrist cuff or finger-sized monitor. The arm cuff is the most accurate.
Rest comfortably in a chair with feet on the floor and back supported for five minutes before taking your reading.
Make sure you’ve used the restroom if you need to.
Avoid taking an NSAID four to eight hours before taking your reading.
Avoid taking readings within 30 minutes of coffee or a cigarette.
Avoid taking readings within an hour of exercising.
Avoid crossing your legs.