What should be considered when doing self-measurement?

It is sensible for patients with high blood pressure to regularly measure their own blood pressure, since this gives the doctor valuable indications about the effectiveness of the treatment. You should record the measurements in a blood pressure record book and also fill in the “Comments” section with observations such as: feeling unwell, dizziness, disrupted sleep, forgotten to take medicine, particular physical or mental problems. It is also important that you always measure your blood pressure on the same arm or wrist, morning and evening at the same time. You should not drink coffee or alcohol beforehand nor should you smoke. Take your blood pressure measurement after a five-minute rest, sitting and in restful surroundings. Make sure that the measurement is taken at the height of the heart if you use a wrist device. Compare your measurement with that taken by your doctor. Finally, you should periodically get your blood pressure device calibrated (every two years). This service can be carried out directly by the specialized shop or manufacturer.