Montoring blood pressure at home and keeping a record of the measurements will show you and your doctor how much your blood pressure changes during the day. Your doctor can use the measurements to see how well your medicine is working to control your high blood pressure.

If you are trying to lower your blood pressure by dieting or medication self-monitoring blood pressure may be esential. Some medications require monitoring to minimize side effects. Also, taking blood pressure at home helps distinguish patients who genuinely have high blood pressure from those who have "white coat" hypertension, that is, the artificial heightening of a patient's blood pressure while he or she is in the unfamiliar environment of a doctor's office or hospital.

It is important that a properly validated device is used, and that the patient's technique be checked. Blood pressure readings should be taken at different times of the day (usually morning and evening). The frequency of readings depends on the situation: for initial evaluation it may be appropriate to take them several days per week, but when the patient's condition is diagnosed and stable readings can be taken less frequently.

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There are several lifestyle check points to keep in mind: not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, limiting salt intake, and minimizing your alcohol consumption. Keeping the stress down in your life will work wonders in keeping your blood pressure under control. Relaxation exercises, meditation, and stress management tapes play a helpful role in anyone's life.