One of the most defining markers of heart health is blood pressure. High blood pressure or Hypertension, is a common ailment that affects millions across the world. However, Hypertension is known as a ‘silent killer’ since it can slowly weaken your heart and can result in heart attacks, that can be fatal. The good news is that with proper management, you can keep your blood pressure in control. For this, monitoring your BP at home is extremely important. However, even though it is a fairly simple process, many of us are unaware of how to measure it the right way, which can lead to incorrect readings. Cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Jeremy London , in a recent video explains how to take one’s BP in the right way….

The correct method of blood pressure measurement matters
Your heart pumps blood through arteries and this ‘pressure’ is what we know as BP. Blood pressure measurement consists of two numbers which show systolic pressure during heartbeats, and diastolic pressure during heart rest periods. As stated above, high blood pressure produces little to no warning signs, yet it causes dangerous heart, brain and kidney damage when not treated improperly.


Dr. London states that proper blood pressure measurement serves as the essential base for treating high blood pressure successfully. The results of incorrect blood pressure measurements create confusion, which leads to excessive stress and missed opportunities for proper medical care.

The arm cuff monitor
According to Dr London , the most accurate blood pressure readings come from using an arm cuff monitor, which should be placed on your bare upper arm. The most accurate blood pressure readings emerge from placing the arm cuff around your upper arm, which should be 1-2 inches above your elbow crease.

The cuff should encircle your upper arm tightly while resting 1-2 inches above your elbow bend.

The following steps need to be followed for accurate blood pressure measurement:

• • Measure your blood pressure after a 30-minute period of no caffeine consumption, exercise and bladder emptying.
• • Relax for 5 to 10 minutes before taking your blood pressure reading.
• • Sit in a chair with floor-supported feet and your back fully supported.
• • Keep your legs straight to prevent blood pressure elevation through artificial means.
• • Place your arm on a flat surface, while keeping the cuff at heart level with your palm facing up

The body needs these preparations to achieve stability, while avoiding temporary blood pressure changes.

Dr. London emphasises that your body position needs to remain correct during blood pressure measurement. For this,

• Maintain your back against the chair, while sitting upright.
• Your feet should rest flat on the floor, while keeping them straight and avoiding any crossing or dangling motion.
• Place your arm on a flat surface while keeping the cuff at heart level.
• Maintain complete stillness and silence during the blood pressure measurement process.
• The way you sit during measurement, affects the accuracy of your blood pressure readings.
• Take multiple blood pressure readings at consistent intervals to obtain reliable results.

Dr. London recommends taking two consecutive blood pressure readings with a one-minute interval between them, before calculating their average value. The best results for tracking blood pressure readings, occur when you measure it twice daily during morning and evening hours, across multiple days or weeks.

Share all your blood pressure readings with your healthcare provider by recording them with date and time information. The recorded data enables healthcare providers to detect patterns which helps them make accurate diagnoses, and create effective treatment plans.

Blood pressure measurements appear as two numbers which express millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
The blood pressure measurement consists of two numbers which show systolic pressure at the top, and diastolic pressure at the bottom.

The blood pressure reading falls into three categories:

• • Normal blood pressure readings stay below 120/80 mmHg.
• • The blood pressure reading falls into the elevated range when systolic numbers reach 120-129, and diastolic numbers stay below 80.
• The blood pressure reading falls into Stage 1 hypertension when systolic pressure reaches 130-139 or diastolic pressure reaches 80-89.
• The blood pressure reading reaches Stage 2 hypertension when systolic pressure exceeds 140, or diastolic pressure reaches 90 or higher.
• The blood pressure reading requires immediate emergency medical assistance when it exceeds 180 systolic or 120 diastolic.

People who have consistent high blood pressure readings should seek medical evaluation because elevated or hypertensive blood pressure readings indicate potential organ damage from untreated conditions.

Home blood pressure monitoring is more accurate
Do you have normal BP at home, and high in the hospital? The medical condition known as White Coat Syndrome causes blood pressure to rise temporarily when patients are in a medical setting. The method of home blood pressure monitoring which Dr. London explains, produces more accurate results than clinic measurements because it shows your actual blood pressure levels and helps detect hidden high blood pressure at an early stage.

Lifestyle changes to control Blood Pressure

Dr. London advises patients to make specific changes in their lifestyle to keep BP in control…

• Decrease your salt consumption by staying away from processed foods containing high sodium levels.
• Maintain your weight through exercise and eating food.
• Restrict your alcohol consumption. Quit smoking if you do.
• Handle stress through relaxation methods, and get enough sleep for better results.
• Brisk walk for 30 minutes every day.
• Your doctor will prescribe medication when lifestyle changes fail to control your blood pressure.

When to see a doctor
You should immediately visit a doctor when your home blood pressure readings stay high consistently, and you develop symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath and severe headaches. The early detection of high blood pressure helps prevent dangerous cardiovascular complications.