This post is sponsored by Omron Healthcare. I have received compensation and product as payment. All opinions are my own.
It’s been just over a month that I’ve been participating in the Going for Zero challenge! As I’m trying to lower my risk for heart attack and stroke, I’ve been working to reshape all areas of my health. If you’ve been keeping up with me on Instagram, you know that I’ve started the Autoimmune Paleo Diet to help identify foods that cause my eczema and skin inflammation. It’s still FREEZING in Chicago, but I’m making an effort to start jogging more with Tchaikovsky on our walks. And I am starting to see (and most importantly) feel a difference!
Between the continuous heart rate monitoring through my fitness ring and the Omron Evolv, I have a really clear picture of how my heart is handling the wedding planning, work stress and everyday life! As a health and data nerd, my heart is happy (no pun intended)!
When I first started taking my blood pressure, it was a bit daunting. Where should I sit? What time of day should I do it? Can I keep my legs crossed?! How you prepare for the test, the position of your arm, and other factors can change a blood pressure reading by 10% or more, according to the Harvard Medical School. If you’re like me and overthink everything, here are a few tips for taking your blood pressure at home:
- Don’t drink coffee or anything caffeinated before the test. That morning jolt of cafe con leche can impact your heart rate and skew your reading! Save coffee for after your test. Use it as a way to prepare for the day!
- Sit quietly before the test to help your body relax. Use this time to have a little five-five minute zen break in your day! You’re doing something positive for your health and a mini meditation session will only help improve your reading and health.
- Sit up straight in a chair, keep your feet flat on the floor and make sure your elbow is at heart level. And if you still hear your mom in your head telling you to take your elbows off the table, that’s ok! Mom will get over it. Also she’s not watching you so you should stop worrying. (See, overthinking everything!!)
- Wear short sleeves. Yes, it’s cold outside but you need the machine to have contact with skin as a large sweater or long sleeve won’t give you an accurate reading.
- Don’t talk while you’re blood pressure is being measured. Have trouble sitting anywhere quietly? Yeah, me too. Especially when the dog is trying to figure out what you’re doing and keeps trying to sniff your arm. Do your best with this one! It’s only a minute for the reading!
- Try reading both arms and use the reading that’s higher. A study was done by the American Journal of Medicine in 2014 and they determined the average difference between arm-to-arm was 5 points. So make sure you test both!
After you test, take a minute to compare your data over time. Using an app like Omron Connect gives you a full report and clear picture of where you’re at and how you’re progressing. Here’s what my most recent report looks like! (Yes, I get up early).
I want to know how your heart health journey is going! Sign the Going for Zero pledge and join me!
