Keep tabs on your blood pressure for heart health.

High blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults and is a major risk factor for heart disease. Cut your risk of getting high blood pressure or help manage your pressure with these steps:

• Monitor your blood pressure at home.
• Stay active—aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
• Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet.
• Manage your sodium intake—most adults should aim for under 1,500 mg daily.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
• Manage stress.
• Take medications as prescribed.

Communicating with your health care provider is key as they can offer education and support. If you’re prescribed a new medication or advised to make changes to your routine, scheduling a follow-up appointment can help ensure you’re on the right track.

Taking regular, at-home blood pressure readings can give your doctor a more accurate picture of your blood pressure over time. See the next page for tips for checking your blood pressure at home.

Improve the accuracy of your blood pressure readings at home.

Before

• No caffeine, tobacco, or exercise 30 minutes prior.
• Sit calmly for at least 5 minutes with arm support and back at rest.
• Keep a log of your readings and bring it to every check-up.

During

• Don’t talk.
• Place well-fitting cuff on bare upper arm.
• Support your whole cuffed arm at heart level on a flat surface.
• Sit still with feet flat on the floor.

After

• Wait one minute and retake your blood pressure.
• Average the readings.
• Consider a third reading.
• Bring your device to your doctor’s visit yearly to make sure it is accurate.