Why take blood pressure in left arm

Why you need to measure your blood pressure

Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.

High blood pressure can put a mother and baby at risk for problems during pregnancy.

Learn more about high blood pressure during pregnancy.

How to measure your blood pressure at home

Talk with your health care team about regularly measuring your blood pressure at home.

How to check your blood pressure without a machine

This is called self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring.

SMBP means you regularly use a personal blood pressure measurement device away from a doctor's office or hospital. These blood pressure monitors are easy and safe to use.

A health care team member can show you how to use one if you need help.

Evidence shows that people with high blood pressure are more likely to lower their blood pressure if they use SMBP combined with support from their health care team than if they don't use SMBP.1

Use these additional tips for SMBP:2

• Use a
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