To get the best experience while viewing this site, it is recommended that you upgrade to a modern browser version of Chrome or Firefox.

You may do so by clicking on one of these icons:


southern new mexico surgery center
 
  •  

    		•   
    Health Library Explorer
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
    Behavior
    Back to Intro
    Click 'Back to Intro' to return to the beginning of this section.

    Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home

    Keeping track of your blood pressure at home can be a good way for you and your doctor to learn how your blood pressure changes during the day.

    Man using home blood pressure monitor.

    Tips for buying a blood pressure monitor

    • The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends an automatic monitor that uses a cuff that goes on your upper arm (bicep).
    • The AHA doesn't recommend wrist and finger monitors. Their results are not as reliable as the upper arm monitors.
    • Check that the monitor meets the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing criteria. See www.validatebp.org for more information.
    • Check that the monitor is approved for children, pregnant women, and older adults if it's going to be used for these groups.
    • People with smaller or larger arms may need a special cuff size. Measure around the upper arm. Choose a monitor that comes with the correct cuff size.
    • Check your monitor's reading with your doctor's reading when the device is new. Check it once a year after that.
    • Monitors can wear out over time. They may no longer be able to be adjusted. You may have to replace your monitor if the measurements are very different from the measurements made at your doctor's office.
    Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2025
    Copyright Health Ink & Vitality Communications
    horizontal line

    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center
    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.
    Disclaimer