At Coyne Medical, a leading healthcare clinic in London, we follow the latest European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for accurate home blood pressure monitoring. These updated guidelines reflect the newest research on blood pressure management, showing that even small increases in blood pressure can raise the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular conditions.

Many patients in London are interested in measuring their blood pressure at home to monitor their health more conveniently and proactively. Research shows that starting as low as 90 mmHg for systolic pressure, higher blood pressure levels are linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). For this reason, at Coyne Medical we encourage patients to use home blood pressure monitoring to get the most accurate picture of their daily blood pressure levels.

Studies also confirm that lowering blood pressure with treatment can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and related issues. Additionally, recent findings suggest that women may have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease at certain blood pressure levels than men, highlighting the importance of personalized blood pressure management for everyone.

By following the ESC’s evidence-based guidelines, we help our London patients get a clearer understanding of their blood pressure trends. This approach allows our patients to work closely with our healthcare team to make informed, effective decisions for long-term heart health.

Why Choose Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM)?

Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM) is a convenient way for London patients to monitor their blood pressure without the stress of a clinic setting. Taking regular readings at home can help you and your healthcare provider detect any trends in your blood pressure levels and manage them proactively. Accurate home monitoring can play a key role in managing hypertension, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits in London, and enabling you to take control of your heart health.

Steps to Measure Blood Pressure Accurately at Home in London

1. Use a Clinically Validated Device
   Our London clinic recommends using a clinically validated, upper-arm oscillometric cuff device for the most reliable home readings. Devices should be checked for accuracy every few years, and if your device is over four years old, it may need replacement.
2. Establish a Consistent Routine
   • Measurement Times: Take blood pressure readings twice daily (morning and evening) at the same times each day.
   • Duration: For a reliable average, measure your blood pressure for at least 3 days and, ideally, up to 7 days. If your 3-day average is close to the treatment threshold, continue for the full 7 days to confirm results.
3. Follow Standard Preparation Steps
   Prepare as you would for a clinic reading to ensure accurate results:
   • Rest and Relax: Sit quietly for 5–10 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.
   • Proper Positioning: Sit upright with both feet flat on the floor, and rest your arm at heart level on a flat surface.
   • Cuff Placement: Secure the cuff snugly on your upper arm, ensuring it’s positioned at heart level, and leave room for two fingers under the cuff.
4. Take Two Readings Per Session
   For each session, take two readings 1–2 minutes apart. If they vary significantly, continue until you have two similar results (within 5 mmHg of each other).
5. Recording and Averaging Results
   • Automatic Recording with Withings or Aktiia: These devices store your readings in an app, which makes it easy to share results with your London healthcare provider by email.
   • Manual Recording: If you’re using a traditional device, note each reading in a log. Use a table like the one below to keep track.

   At the end of your measurement period, calculate the average of all your readings for an accurate overview of your blood pressure levels.

6. Interpreting Results
   • Hypertension Diagnosis: An average home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) of ≥135/85 mmHg indicates hypertension (equivalent to an office reading of ≥140/90 mmHg).
   • Elevated Blood Pressure: An average systolic BP of 120–134 mmHg or diastolic BP of 70–84 mmHg may indicate elevated blood pressure.
   • Lower Threshold: Both office and home measurements use a minimum threshold of 120/70 mmHg to identify elevated blood pressure.

Recommended Devices for Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home

For optimal accuracy, use a validated blood pressure monitor. Two recommended options are:

• Withings: This wireless device syncs with your smartphone, storing readings automatically and making it easy to share results with your healthcare provider in London. Available here online from Withings or other e-commerce stores such as Amazon.
• Aktiia Wrist Bracelet: A 24-hour monitoring device that tracks blood pressure continuously throughout the day and night, ideal for monitoring without frequent manual readings. Available online from Aktiaa.

For other recommended devices, see the British Hypertension Society’s validated list, this has list of many simple machines available in the pharmacy, Omron is a particularly reliable brand.

Sharing Your Results with Your Doctor and Booking a Follow-Up Appointment

After completing your home blood pressure monitoring, it’s essential to share your results with your doctor. This information helps your doctor assess your blood pressure trends over time and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

1. Email or Print Your Results:
   If you’re using a digital device like the QardioArm or Aktiia, you can easily email your readings directly to the clinic. If you’ve recorded your results manually, take a clear photo or scan of your log and send it to us, or bring a printed copy to your appointment.
2. Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment:
   Once your doctor has reviewed your readings, a follow-up appointment allows you to discuss your results in detail. During this visit, you and your doctor can evaluate any necessary changes to your lifestyle, medication, or blood pressure management plan. Book your appointment now online here.
3. Consider a Comprehensive Health Screening:
   If you haven’t had a recent health screening, now may be a good time to consider one. A full health assessment can provide insight into other cardiovascular risk factors, such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and lifestyle influences. By identifying and managing these factors, we can create a personalised plan to help you optimize your overall health and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Check out our options for health screening here.

Regular monitoring and follow-ups, along with a health screening if needed, are key steps in supporting your long-term health and well-being. Contact our clinic to schedule your follow-up, and our team will be happy to assist you with any questions about your readings, health screening options, or treatment plan.