Home blood pressure monitoring protocol

Thanks for asking—home BP is one of the best habits for heart health. The reliable way is “7‑day, twice‑daily, two‑readings” using proper technique. - Setup: Use an automated, validated upper‑arm cuff that fits your arm. No caffeine/exercise/smoking 30 minutes prior; empty bladder; sit quietly 5 minutes, back supported, feet flat, arm at heart level. Avoid talking. - Schedule: Take 2 readings morning and 2 readings evening, 1 minute apart, for 7 days (skip day 1 if you want the most accurate average). Log all values; average the rest. - Targets at home: aim <135/85 mmHg average (clinic targets are usually <130/80 if tolerated). - Ongoing: If stable, repeat a 3–7 day check once a month, or any time meds/symptoms change. Keep the cuff calibrated every 1–2 years.