Why it helps
The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for people with high blood pressure. A log of home readings gives your doctor more to go on than a single reading in the office, and many doctors ask for a week or two of readings before an appointment.
What to write down for every reading
- Date and time.
- Top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic).
- Pulse.
- Which arm you used.
- Short notes, like a missed dose, a late night, caffeine, stress or symptoms.
How to take each reading
Follow the routine on our How to take your blood pressure at home page — sit quietly for 5 minutes, take 2–3 readings about a minute apart, and write them all down.
How often
Measure at the same times each day, for example morning and evening, or as your doctor tells you.
At your appointment
Bring your log, and bring your monitor too, so your doctor or nurse can check it against the office equipment.
How FourNumbers helps
It keeps your log for you, runs a 7-day BP check, and turns your readings into a PDF report you can print or email.
Source: American Heart Association.