Monitoring your blood pressure
Stay on top of your heart health with at-home blood pressure tracking
At Quartz, we are committed to supporting your health journey every step of the way. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly is an essential part of maintaining your overall health. By using your at-home blood pressure cuff, you can keep track of your readings and help your health care team gain valuable insights into your well-being.
Why you should monitor your blood pressure at home
High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is defined as readings of 130/80 or higher. If left unmanaged, hypertension can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
The challenge with hypertension is that it often has no obvious symptoms, which is why regular monitoring is crucial. By tracking your blood pressure at home, you can catch early warning signs and maintain an open line of communication with your doctor.
How to get the most out of your blood pressure readings
Follow these insights and processes to make the most of your at-home blood pressure monitoring:
- Measure your blood pressure at the same time every day for consistent results
- Sit quietly with your feet flat on the floor for a few minutes before taking your reading
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco before measuring your blood pressure
- Relax, don’t talk, and rest your arm on a flat surface at heart level
- Place the bottom of the cuff just above the bend in your elbow
- Wrap the cuff against the skin and not over clothing
- Take two readings one minute apart in the morning before any medication and again at bedtime
- Refer to the chart from the American Heart Association for further information
| BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORY | SYSTOLIC mm Hg (upper number) |
and/or | DIASTOLIC mm Hg (lower number) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORMAL | |||
| ELEVATED | |||
| HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 1 |
|||
| HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) STAGE 2 |
|||
| HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS (consult your doctor immediately) |
Tracking and sharing your blood pressure readings regularly is essential for maintaining your health. It’s important to remember that consistent monitoring helps your doctor understand your blood pressure trends and make informed decisions about your care.
You can share your readings through MyChart, schedule a follow-up call, or bring them to your next appointment. This helps your doctor adjust your treatment plan to ensure you receive the most effective care. Don’t underestimate the value of this vital information—it could make all the difference in your health.
It’s important to monitor your blood pressure and share your readings with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following with your blood pressure readings:
- Out of range: If your readings fall outside your target range, schedule a follow-up to discuss management options
- High alert: If your reading exceeds 180/120, contact your doctor immediately
- Symptom alert: If you experience severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, or vision changes, seek emergency medical attention
How to get a no-cost blood pressure cuff
If you’re diagnosed with hypertension and don’t have an at-home blood pressure monitor, Quartz has you covered! Talk to your provider at your next appointment or message them through MyChart. Once you’ve discussed your need for a cuff, we’ll take care of the rest—sending your blood pressure cuff directly to your home at no cost to you. It’s just one more way Quartz helps you take control of your health!
Your heart, your control
Take the first step in managing your blood pressure from the comfort of your home. Regular at-home monitoring can help you stay on top of your health and provide your health care team with the essential data to support your care. Sharing these readings with your doctor helps them understand your blood pressure trends and adjust your treatment plan as needed, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Let’s work together to keep your heart healthy for years to come. To learn more about heart health, visit heart.org.
Common questions:
Some of the most common risk factors include high cholesterol, excess weight, lack of physical activity, unhealthy food choices, and family history. Monitoring these factors and making lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk.
Heart disease can present in various ways, and symptoms may not always be obvious. Common signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, swelling in the legs, and irregular heartbeat. However, some people may experience no symptoms until a serious event like a heart attack or stroke occurs. Proactive care is key. Even if you feel fine, regular blood pressure monitoring, routine check-ups, and health screenings can help detect issues early. Work with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure at home and share results to manage risk factors and protect your heart health.
Quartz members diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) or another qualifying condition are eligible to receive an automatic blood pressure monitor at no cost.
Hypertension can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth, and it's important to differentiate between Gestational Hypertension and Postpartum Hypertension.
- Gestational Hypertension: This condition develops after the 20th week of pregnancy and involves high blood pressure without protein in the urine. It may resolve after delivery but requires monitoring to avoid complications.
- Postpartum Hypertension: Occurs after childbirth, often in the first few days to weeks, and may indicate a more serious condition like preeclampsia.
Tracking your blood pressure at home helps you manage hypertension concerns during and after pregnancy. Regular monitoring and sharing results with your doctor is essential for your heart health and well-being.