How to do home blood pressure monitoring
- Take two readings, at least a minute apart, while seated.
- Do this twice a day, morning and evening.
- Continue for at least 4 days, ideally 7.
- Discard the first day and average the rest.
Interpreting the average
| HBPM average | Meaning |
|---|
| Below 135/85 | Normal on home readings |
| 135/85 to 149/94 | Stage 1 hypertension |
| 150/95 or more | Stage 2 hypertension |
Patients can use the printable home BP diary from your MedToolbox desk.
Frequently asked questions
Why is day 1 discarded?
First-day readings tend to be higher. NICE advises excluding them.
How many readings do I need?
Two readings morning and evening for at least 4 days, ideally 7.
What home BP average means hypertension?
135/85 or more confirms hypertension when clinic BP is 140/90 or more.
References
- NICE. Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NG136. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136
MedToolbox supports, and does not replace, clinical judgement, national guidance and local policy.
