High blood pressure is a common disease and is known as the ‘silent-killer’. Keeping track of the blood pressure level helps you to keep it within levels. This is why, it is advised to measure blood pressure twice daily on a regular basis, in order to keep a track on the blood pressure level, and if any ups and downs are seen then immediate steps can be taken to keep the level in stable state. But what is the best time to measure blood pressure? Let’s find out.
Best Time to Measure Blood Pressure
There’s no specified time set to measure blood pressure, but it is recommended to measure blood pressure early in the morning before eating any food or taking any medications as they can hamper the blood pressure level.
Foods and medications have slight or major effects on blood pressure. Foods such as dairy products, or those having high protein, carbohydrates, and fat have a significant effect on blood pressure. So, it is recommended to measure blood pressure on an empty stomach early in the morning.
The second reading should be taken in the evening, after taking rest.
It is advised to take 2-3 readings each time and take the average of those as the machine as well as the mechanism in which it is being recorded can’t be 100% accurate.
Precautions to be Taken Before Measuring Blood Pressure
Here are a few precautions that have to be taken before measuring blood pressure –
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Correct Way to Measure Blood Pressure
The following steps are advised to follow while measuring blood pressure:
- Sit Quietly Before and During Monitoring: When you are ready to take the blood pressure, it is advised to sit for 5-6 minutes in a comfortable position in a chair with legs and ankles uncrossed and back supported against the chair. You should not think of any stressful things and should be calm while measuring the blood pressure. You should also not talk.
- Make Sure Your Arm is Positioned Properly: It is recommended to use the same arm every time for taking blood pressure. If you are a right handed person use the left hand for moitoring BP or vice versa. Rest your arm on a plane surface or a table to a height of chest level. Even if the height is not reached, place a pillow below the arm to raise to chest height.
- Place the Cuff on Bare Skin, Not Over Clothing: Roll up your sleeves if you are wearing a full sleeve shirt or t-shirt, as the cuff needs to be placed on bare skin, and not over any sort of clothing. After putting the blood pressure cuff, make sure it is well tightened so that it may not slip down the arm and also not so tight that it affects your arm.
- Take Repeat Reading: After taking the 1st reading, wait for 1-2 minutes and then again take reading to check accuracy. Take at least 2-3 readings to get an average of them. If your device doesn’t store the readings itself, then write them down for future reference.
Conclusion
Measuring blood pressure at home is easy enough nowadays, but you should monitor it at the right time to get accurate blood pressure readings. As discussed above, the best time to take blood pressure is early in the morning on an empty stomach. You should also calm yourself down before measuring blood pressure and should avoid talking during measurement. Also, avoid taking the readings while lying down, standing, or leaning.
If you have question related to blood pressure, you can get all your answers here – 101 Most Common Blood Pressure Questions With Answers.