High blood pressure: How do you monitor it at home? 🩺

Somya, thank you once again for including me in the discussions.

When I was younger, I had slightly low blood pressure, not anything to concern the doctors, but a little below the "normal" of 120/80. About 30 years ago I got hit with the Shingles, smack dab on the right side of my fact. I didn't know what it was until after a few days when I went to my Dr. Since the lesions were on my face and one in my eye, on the cornea, he sent me directly to an ophthalmologist. After two weeks of heavy antibiotic eye drops the lesions went away and there was no permanent damage to my eye. However, when going back to my Primary Care Doctor, he said that my blood pressure was through the roof and put me on meds for that. When he asked me why, I told him that with the Shingles pain and discomfort, I hadn't slept for a week or two. So for the past 30 or so years I have been on various blood pressure medicines until this past year. All of a sudden the pressure dropped to below normal once again and the Cardiologist kept changing my meds. I now am on a low dose of Metoprolol but the pressure is still rather low. I will discuss eliminating it all together soon, however the pulse rate remains over 100. This probably related to my other conditions regarding pulmonary issues.

To the point of your questions, I take my pressure readings every morning and log them into a standard spreadsheet (Excel). This along with my glucose reading, weight and other vitals. With the spreadsheet, I can pull out averages, ranges, graphs or other details as needed. Regarding the equipment, over the years I have used various sphygmomanometers. My first ones were the standard upper arm cuff type, which were a little more difficult to use. Currently I use the wrist cuff. I have found the Omron brand to be the most reliable and is medical grade. These are all available on-line at any medical supply site as well as most local Pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, etc.) When in-home nurses have come to check on me after a hospital stay, they prefer to use my meter to get the most accurate readings! As far as maintaining one's pressure, for that I rely on the meds. Perhaps a little personal relaxation. At my age I have learned to "go with the flow" and not sweat any of the bombs thrown at me (medical issues...). I try to take everything in stride and not stress out about anything. It may be challenging at times, especially with so many chronic conditions, but I always try to look on the bright side and thank the Lord for my blessings every day.

Thank you again Somya.