MyBP

Home Blood Pressure Summary — VAT-Trap.com

HOW TO TAKE EACH READING
  1. Use a validated upper-arm cuff monitor (not a wrist device). If your upper arm is large, you may need a large cuff.
  2. Ideal time: first thing in the morning, before any medication — sat at the kitchen table while the kettle boils is about perfect.
  3. Use the same chair and the same surface for the monitor each day. This standardises seat height and the height of the device relative to your arm.
  4. Sit quietly for 5 minutes first. Feet flat on the floor, back supported, arm resting at heart level.
  5. Take three readings, one straight after the other, about a minute apart.
  6. Repeat at the same time each day.
Want to write your readings on paper first? Print a blank recording sheet to keep by your monitor.
WHEN DO YOU MEASURE?
First time measuring? Record both morning and evening for a week — about 10% of people run higher in the evening. After that, you only need to track whichever is higher.
HOW MANY DAYS?
YOUR READINGS
Enter your three readings for each session. The first reading can be misleading so we average the 2nd and 3rd. Leave the pulse blank if your monitor doesn't show it. All three readings are kept in your report so your doctor can see what you took and how much they varied.
FOR YOUR REPORT
Used to label your report — we don't store your name. Year of birth lets us flag age-specific thresholds.
SOME READINGS LOOK UNUSUAL — PLEASE CHECK
BEFORE YOU PROCEED
⚠️ Seek urgent medical attention if:
• Any reading is 180/120 mmHg or higher
• You have chest pain, severe headache, visual changes, weakness on one side, or shortness of breath
• You are pregnant and your blood pressure is rising

This tool is not suitable for:
• Anyone under 18 years of age
• Pregnant women (different thresholds apply — speak to your midwife)
• People in atrial fibrillation (home cuff readings can be inaccurate)
If any of these apply, please close this tool and speak with your GP.