Home blood pressure monitors
Ideal for checking your blood pressure on a regular basis, a digital pressure monitors provide accurate readings in the comfort of your own home. (1)
High blood pressure, or hypertension
High blood pressure increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Your physician will take your blood pressure and probably conduct some blood and urine tests, to assess your risk. Treatment for high blood pressure is as much about making lifestyle changes as medication, depending on your level of risk.
Blood pressure monitors at home
Using a home blood pressure monitor helps you measure changes over time. Our easy to use monitors all include a comfortable arm or wrist cuff, simple, push-button operation, and a clear digital screen showing your blood pressure readings.
Some more advanced models also include:
- A feature to store readings
- Instant recording of the time and date of readings
- Comparison of past reading over time to detect arrhythmic heart beats
- USB connector to download data to your computer
Ask our team about which monitor would suit you and your particular needs.
What your blood pressure numbers mean
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers:
Systolic (top number)
This is the highest pressure at which your heart pushes blood around your body.
Over
Diastolic (bottom number)
This is the lowest pressure recorded, when your heart relaxes between beats.
Blood pressure is measured in mmHg, which stands for “millimeter of mercury”, a throwback to original pressure monitor and barometers that measured pressure using liquid mercury.
What do the readings signify?
Blood pressure readings are usually expressed as (top number) over (bottom number).
90 over 60 (90/60) or less
You may have low blood pressure. Consult your physician as too low a blood pressure can be dangerous to your health.
More than 90 over 60 (90/60) BUT less than 120 over 80 (120/80)
This is the ideal range for a healthy adult. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle should ensure you stay in this range.
More than 120 over 80 BUT less than 140 over 90 (120/80-140/90)
This is a normal blood pressure reading but at the top end of the range, it could be lowered by lifestyle changes.
140 over 90 (140/90) or higher (over a number of weeks)
This is an indicator of pre-high blood pressure (hypertension). You should consult your physician, who may prescribe medications as well as lifestyle changes.
160 over 100 (160/100) or higher
You are in the risk zone. Consult your physician immediately and take any medication as prescribed.
Lifestyle changes that can lower blood pressure
Simple lifestyle changes can make a big different to your blood pressure readings. You can:
- Quit smoking
- Reduce your alcohol intake
- Reduce your caffeine – drink less coffee, tea and cola limit your salt intake to less than 6g per day
- Eat a low-fat, balanced diet that includes 5 portions of fruit and veg a day
- Exercise and be active
- Lose weight
- Sleep for at least six hours a night
With a home blood pressure monitor from Clarks Pharmasave, you should see the reduction in your blood pressure readings within a few weeks of making your lifestyle changes.
(1) If you are concerned about your blood pressure, consult your physician at the earliest opportunity. A home blood pressure monitor is not a replacement for professional, medical blood pressure testing by a physician.