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Blood pressure is often used to predict the risk of several serious health problems, such as heart disease. Many people are used to getting their blood pressure checked regularly at pharmacies. While quick and easy to measure, blood pressure can vary greatly throughout the day, depending on a patient’s surroundings, physical well-being, recent meal or even the time of day. These factors make it difficult for the pharmacist to understand how to treat the high blood pressure (hypertension) since he or she only measures the blood pressure.

Fortunately, a wide variety of home blood pressure monitors can be purchased at pharmacies so that patients can take an active role in helping to control their blood pressure by checking it at home.

Home blood pressure monitors are relatively affordable, especially considering the value of the information they deliver. By recording and documenting fluctuations in BP, a home monitor can assist in determining an appropriate drug-dose internal, as well as evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic modifications. This information in turn reinforces to the patient the advantages of good BP control and an overall understanding of disease itself. Increased awareness may provide better compliance while potentially decreasing the incidence of the deadly, long-term consequences of uncontrolled hypertension.

Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to overcome the barriers associated with pharmacy-based BP measurement. Home BP monitors are typically sold in community pharmacies. Moreover, patients visit their pharmacy almost monthly to pick up their antihypertensive medication, more frequently than any other health care facility. Furthermore, collaborative relationships are being developed between physicians and community pharmacists to improve hypertension management.

The three major types of BP monitors available for home use include aneroid manometers, semi-automatic digital monitors and fully automatic digital devices. The standard method for measuring BP is the mercury sphygmomanometer which measures BP with plastic or glass tubular gauge, a mercury reservoir, and a manually inflated cuff. In order to measure BP this device uses gravity. Thus its readings are considered the most clinically consistent and accurate.

The aneroid monitor employs a mechanical bellows and lever system that requires frequent calibration to create reliable and accurate readings. The aneroid monitors are the least expensive option for patients, yet they are considered less accurate, compared with mercury sphygmomanometers. The digital monitors come with either a semiautomatic or completely automatic inflatable cuff. These monitors almost entirely use oscillometric measurement in order to determine BP. Small oscillations or changes in cuff inflation obtain the mean systolic and diastolic pressure. These readings are calculated by using a set of percentages that very depending on model’s manufacturers.

The mercury sphygmomanometer and aneroid manometer may be less expensive, they do not lend themselves to home use. For both types of devices, the majority of patients do not possess the sills and dexterity required to use them, as a stethoscope, must be used to auscultate the Korotkuff sounds. Furthermore, for the mercury sphygmomanometer, mercury presents a potential health hazard if spilled or if it comes in direct contact with skin.

The digital monitor appears to have all the characteristics that make it an ideal choice for HBPM. The BP reading is displayed on an easily readable digital screen designed with large formats for older adults with poor eyesight. Most monitors will routinely record and store BP and heartbeat readings, with some having the additional capability of downloading the data to a PC for tracking, printing and even e-mailing to health care provider. Studies have shown that these devices demonstrate a high degree of correlation with auscultation readings obtained by a practitioner or by oscillometric devices.

Taking blood pressure at home gets rid of the stress of being at hospital. When the blood pressure is increased due to the anxiety of being in the hospital, this is called white-coat hypertension. Monitoring blood pressure at home will help to changes in lifestyle such as a low-salt diet or increased exercise to keep blood pressure down. Check blood pressure at the same times ever day, about an hour after wake up and in the evening, about an hour before bedtime. Always use the same arm each time. Make sure that patient is in a quiet, a comfortable setting when monitoring blood pressure. A full bladder can increase blood pressure slightly, so go to the bathroom first.

Avoid caffeine, food and tobacco for 30 minutes before checking blood pressure. Before checking blood pressure, sit in a comfortable position with patient back supported, legs and ankles uncrossed, and feet on the floor for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Do not talk, eat or chew gum while taking blood pressure. Place the cuff directly on skin and do not roll up long sleeves. This can make the readings incorrect. Take a second blood pressure measurement 1 to 2 minutes after the first one is finished for better accuracy.

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