How Often?

[Gnelsen02]

I have high blood pressure how many often should I take my blood pressure?

[Kasmi]

If you can, take it first thing in morning before you get out of bed and last thing at night, try to be relaxed when taking and above all try not to worry as this makes it go higher, take meds same time each day as this will help you to remember

Good luck.

[Gnelsen02 in reply to Kasmi]

Thank you Kasmi

[Hidden in reply to Gnelsen02]

Are the meds not getting your BP under control?

[Gnelsen02 in reply to Hidden]

Yes they are working

[Gnelsen02 in reply to Hidden]

Sort of

[LAHs]

Well to begin with see if your doc will loan out a 24 hour BP meter and keep it running about 2-3 days. This way you will discover and understand your diurnal cycle. When you know the time of day or night when your BP is normal (usually when you are asleep) then there is no need to keep checking your BP at those times. You might find that you are normal in the morning but high in the afternoon, so then just keep an eye on your afternoon measurements. The other thing you must become aware of is what sends your BP up? Is it when you are under stress, maybe when you are driving communicating with someone nasty at work, or pushing yourself around the shops? Does your BP drop when you are relaxing reading a book or watching TV. After you know these things you need only measure your BP at the "dangerous" times, be they high BP or too low BP.

Oh, and if you can't get a 24 hour measuring loaner from your doc, it is well worth buying your own meter from the chemist. The sooner you understand your cycles or characteristics the sooner you will get the dangerous times under control with the minimum medication (or lifestyle control).

[rosyG]

I have seen an hour after waking and then the evening advised. There is a spike when you wake as adrenaline is released to start the day so this might be why this advice is given- i e things will settle, I am recording more often at present as am keeping records for my GP

[BillCarson]

I take mine once a month and write it down. Also records pulse rate.

[Hidden]

A lot depends on how severe your condition is. It's best to ask a nurse or doctor for advice. For some people, weekly or even less sometimes, is fine. For others they may need to check much more frequently.

[Sphygmogirl90]

I take my pressure at least 3 times daily. I take it before and after medication.