What Is The Best Time Of Day To Take Your Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is something that affects every individual in different ways. This info graphic discusses when the best time of day is to take your blood pressure and what factors might affect it.
However, the best time to take your blood pressure is in the morning after you wake up. It’s a good idea to check your blood pressure before you do anything to eat or drink.
Taking your blood pressure daily can be a superior way to checkup your health. When starting monitoring at home, it is essential to be more accurate.
To get an accurate blood pressure measurement you should check it at the same time each day.
When should you check your blood pressure?
As your blood pressure changes the whole day, it is a better idea to check it at least twice the day.
Selecting times that work for you: The great times of day to measure your blood pressure depend on you and your daily routine.
If you check your blood pressure each day (at the same time), it can help make sure that the measurements you take aren’t affected by the events of your day.
You can choose a time whilst you know you’ll be home and is unlikely to be interrupted.
Some factors can affect your readings: There are some common rules to be aware of when it comes to timing your blood pressure reading.
Perfectly, morning blood pressure can be measured after you brush your teeth or shower but before you eat or leave for work.
If you take breakfast or morning coffee, both food and caffeine can increase your blood pressure. There are also other everyday things that can make your blood pressure rise.
To measure blood pressure time is no matter, but it is better to avoid such things for at least half an hour before you take a reading:
- Exercising
- Smoking using tobacco
- Consuming alcohol
Different ways you can measure blood pressure: There are a variety of ways you can get your blood pressure reading.
At a medical office: Blood pressure measurement is a common part of medical appointments. And, is the perfect way to have your blood pressure taken by a professional.
If your blood pressure result is accurate at a medical office, it may not be a convenient way to regularly monitor it. However, most of us don’t want to visit the medical office every day.
At a home with a monitor: Home monitoring can be the best way to keep track of your blood pressure on a regular basis. This is also a convenient way and you can check your blood pressure throughout the day.
It can assist you to see how your blood pressure changes the whole of the day as well as help you get a sense of your average blood pressure range.
The best practices for getting an exact reading: There are a few steps that help you to get an accurate reading such as-
- Relax for a minimum of 5 minutes beforehand.
- Make sure you are in a comfortable and warm room.
- Rest the arm you’re using for checking on a table or ledge with your elbow at heart level.
- Roll up your sleeves so you can place them on your bare skin.
- Make sure the blood pressure cuff is set accurately.
- Don’t talk during your measurement.
Ideally, it is better to monitor your blood pressure again after around 3 minutes. If you check your blood pressure twice each time can help you measure that you’re reading was correct.
When you see a large difference between the two readings, and then take the third reading. And record every measurement you take.
What is a healthy blood pressure reading?
Your systolic pressure measures the pressure in your blood vessels while your heart pumps. On the other side, your diastolic pressure measures the pressure in your blood vessels in between heartbeats.
A healthy blood pressure reading indicates 120/80 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) or below. Above this, any blood pressure is considered abnormal or elevated.
Hints for achieving healthy blood pressure: High blood pressure can increase your risk of other serious diseases like heart attacks and strokes. To maintain lower blood pressure you can follow a few steps, including:
Follow a heart-healthy diet that is high in lean proteins, whole grains and vegetables.
- Avoid high sodium foods, saturated fats, and sugars.
- Get plenty of exercises
- Reduce your alcohol intake.
- Reduce your stress levels.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get adequate good-quality sleep.
- Measure any prescribed blood pressure medications as directed.
Summary
Blood pressure is a vital sign which can be determined by checking the rate of pressure inside the arteries and veins. Measuring your blood pressure can be a handy tool for monitoring your health.
One of the most important methods you can take to assure you’re getting an exact picture of your average blood pressure is to check it at the same time every day.
Make sure you’re relaxed while you check up on your blood pressure. And it is important to avoid drinking eating or exercising before you take your blood pressure measurement.
