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Our Blood Pressure Check Process

The process of getting a blood pressure check at Be Well Primary Care is thorough and meticulous. We ensure our patients are well-prepared and informed about each stage of the procedure.

Here’s an analysis of the before, during and after activities:

BEFORE

Before the blood pressure test, we advise patients not to smoke, exercise, or consume caffeine for 30 minutes to an hour. These activities can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, thus skewing the results.

We recommend wearing a short-sleeved shirt for easy blood pressure cuff placement around the arm. We also ask patients to relax in a chair for at least five minutes before the test to let their body settle into a resting state.

It’s important for patients to inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking, as some drugs can influence blood pressure.

DURING

The blood pressure reading is usually taken while a person is seated in a chair, with feet flat on the floor and arm resting comfortably at heart level. The blood pressure cuff is placed around the top part of the arm, just above the elbow, with care taken to ensure that the cuff fits properly to avoid inaccurate readings.

We offer two types of blood pressure readings – automated and manual. For manual readings, the care provider listens to the blood flow via a stethoscope placed over the brachial artery in the upper arm, inflates the cuff, and slowly releases the air to restore blood flow, recording the blood pressure.

Automated readings involve automatic inflation and measurement of pulse without the need for a stethoscope. A blood pressure measurement takes about one minute, regardless of the type.

AFTER

Further tests are usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis if a patient’s blood pressure reading is high or low. We recommend at least three more blood pressure tests, spaced at least a week apart. This is because blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day and from one day to the next.

We aim to provide the most accurate health assessment and ensure appropriate treatment if necessary.

How Can I Measure My Blood Pressure at Home?

Regularly monitoring your blood pressure at home, also known as self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, can be a beneficial health practice, particularly for those managing high blood pressure. This process involves using a personal blood pressure measurement device outside a medical facility, usually within the comfort of your home. Here are some steps and tips for conducting SMBP:

Firstly, talk with your healthcare team about the possibility and suitability of SMBP. If approved, they can guide you in selecting an accurate and easy-to-use home blood pressure monitor. These devices are safe and user-friendly, and your healthcare team can demonstrate how to use them correctly.

Evidence suggests that people with high blood pressure are more successful in lowering their blood pressure levels when they use SMBP with support from their healthcare team. It’s important to remember that SMBP is a supplementary tool and not a substitute for regular checkups with your healthcare provider.

For effective SMBP, follow these additional tips:

• Keep a blood pressure log: Maintain a record of your blood pressure readings. This can be crucial in tracking your blood pressure trends and provides useful information for your healthcare provider.
• Consistency: Take your blood pressure readings at the same time each day. Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, so consistent timing gives a more accurate picture of your blood pressure control.
• Multiple readings: Taking at least two readings, spaced 1 or 2 minutes apart, is recommended. This helps ensure the accuracy of your measurements.

Remember, SMBP is a helpful tool in managing your blood pressure, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice and checkups. Regular appointments with your healthcare provider, such as Be Well Primary Care, are still necessary.

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