Home monitoring using your Livongo Blood Pressure Monitor is a great way to stay on top of your heart health. In fact, your at-home blood pressure readings can provide a more accurate picture of your risk for cardiovascular problems than readings taken only in the doctor’s office.
Managing your blood pressure often involves certain lifestyle changes, like reducing your salt intake, eating a healthy diet, and staying active. Monitoring your blood pressure on a regular basis is a way for you to see if the changes you’re making are working.
Here are four simple ways to ensure your at-home readings are more accurate:
- Relax. Avoid exercise, smoking, or having caffeine within 30 minutes of checking.
- Take a seat. Choose a chair versus a sofa and sit with your legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor, back straight — rested and still, without talking or distractions, for at least five minutes before measuring.
- Put on your cuff. Support your arm on a flat surface (such as a table) at heart level. Place the bottom of the cuff directly above the bend of your elbow and take a reading. Do not place the cuff over clothing.
Be consistent. Continue to take your blood pressure as recommended by your doctor. For consistency, try to measure at the same time each day, under the same conditions, as much as possible. We recommend in the morning before eating or taking any medications or in the evening before dinner.