To help control high blood pressure, also called hypertension,
research has shown that monitoring blood pressure at home can be
helpful in addition to regular monitoring in a healthcare
provider's office. Your doctor may recommend that you monitor
your blood pressure at home if: - You have been diagnosed with
pre-hypertension (systolic --- top --- number between 120 and
139 mm Hg OR diastolic --- bottom --- number between 80 and 89
mm Hg) - You have been diagnosed with hypertension (systolic 140
mm Hg or above OR diastolic 90 mm Hg or above) - You have risk
factors for high blood pressure The American Heart Association
recommends home monitoring for all people with high blood
pressure to help the healthcare provider determine whether
treatments are working. Home monitoring is not a substitute for
regular visits to your physician. If you have been prescribed
medication to lower your blood pressure, don't stop taking your
medication without consulting your doctor, even if your blood
pressure readings are in the