Monitoring blood pressure at home: guidance for Canadian patients.

Purchase a home blood pressure monitor approved by Hypertension Canada, preferably one used on the upper arm

Most home blood pressure monitors sold commercially (> 85% worldwide) do not measure blood pressure accurately.1 Hypertension Canada has a list of recommended devices that have been tested, are known to give valid readings and can be recognized in stores by their Recommended by Hypertension Canada logo (https://hypertension.ca/bpdevices).1,2

Measure blood pressure twice in the morning and twice in the evening for 7 consecutive days (28 readings total)

For people with an existing diagnosis of hypertension and stable blood pressure averages, home monitoring can be completed using the 7-day approach every 3 months.3 People with no history of hypertension can monitor their blood pressure yearly.4

Home blood pressure readings that average to ≥ 135/85 mm Hg are considered high

Elevated blood pressure readings in an otherwise asymptomatic person are rarely an emergency.4 Almost all (97%) people who visit an emergency department after an elevated reading from a home or pharmacy monitor are discharged after being evaluated.5 Elevated readings warrant a timely appointment with a primary care provider. 4 However, patients with elevated readings who are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke should seek immediate medical assessment.4

Lifestyle modification may lower hypertension

Consistent systolic measurements of 135–139 mm Hg or diastolic readings of 85–89 mm Hg can be managed with a range of lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and physical activity for 30–60 minutes daily.4

Medication(s) are likely needed for systolic readings ≥ 160 mm Hg or diastolic readings ≥ 100 mm Hg

If high blood pressure is left untreated for months or years, the long-term risk of having a stroke or heart attack increases substantially.3,4 Fortunately, reducing high blood pressure with medications prescribed by a primary care provider, combined with home monitoring and lifestyle changes, greatly lowers these risks.3,4