How to properly monitor your blood pressure in 2024?

What is your blood pressure level? Many of you answer: I have 13/8, everything is fine. If this is your case or if you do not know your blood pressure figures, you must act, because it is possible that you have too high blood pressure without knowing it, with the resulting risks of cardiovascular diseases. In 2024, we have clear indications for correctly measuring and analyzing blood pressure.

13/8 tension may already be too high

Every day I meet patients who tell me they have 13/8 and when we measure their blood pressure correctly, it is not normal. First of all, saying that we have 13/8 is not precise enough. Electronic blood pressure measuring devices give you values ​​with 3 digits for the first value for example 131 135 137 and two digits for the second value for example 83 85 87. If we really have 13/8, we must say 130/ 80. And it is with these precise measurements that we can make an exact diagnosis. I insist: in 2024, we must no longer measure blood pressure with the stethoscope and the doctor’s ears. An electronic device must be used for precise measurement; everyone can get one for a few dozen euros.

How much is normal blood pressure?

According to European experts, who published a consensus in 2024, normal tension is less than 120/70. Beyond that, it’s already high; and high blood pressure is from 140/90 when measured at the doctor’s office and 135/85 if the blood pressure is measured at home. We do not ask you to measure your blood pressure every day at home, but to monitor it if there is the slightest doubt with the doctor. Normally, your doctor should measure it three times in a row with a device, at least once a year. If it’s below 120/70, it’s normal. Above, your doctor may ask you to measure your blood pressure at home.

How to properly measure your blood pressure?

It’s very simple: we will measure blood pressure for three days, only in the morning, before breakfast, and in the evening before going to bed. A scientific study published in Jama Internal medicine shows that it is very important to position the cuff in the right place. We do two measurements in a row. We are in a seated position, our arm resting on a table, both feet on the ground, we do not cross our legs. And we don’t talk. After three days, it is the average of the results which allows the diagnosis to be made: above 135/85, it is hypertension, below 120/70, it is normal. Between the two, it’s high. This is all a bit technical: I recommend an app, “SuiviHTA”, to help you with your measurements. It is offered free of charge by the High Blood Pressure Research Foundation

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