Heart & Blood Pressure guides

How to choose and use home blood pressure monitors, and how to make sense of your readings.

A Guide to Building a Home Health Monitoring Kit

Assemble a practical home monitoring kit: blood pressure monitor, thermometer, scale, record book and extras your doctor recommends. A step-by-step guide.

3 min read

Heart & Blood Pressure

Comparing Different Types of Home Health Monitors

Compare blood pressure monitors, thermometers, pulse oximeters, glucose meters and scales: what each measures, who needs it and its limitations.

4 min read

Heart & Blood Pressure

How to Store and Care for Medical Monitoring Devices

Keep blood pressure monitors, thermometers, pulse oximeters and scales accurate with correct cleaning, storage, battery care and periodic checks.

4 min read

Heart & Blood Pressure

When to Discuss Blood Pressure Readings With a Doctor

Learn which home blood pressure readings to mention at your next visit, which need a prompt call and which, with symptoms, are a medical…

4 min read

Heart & Blood Pressure

How Lifestyle Relates to Heart Health

Diet, activity, sleep, tobacco, alcohol and weight all shape heart health. Learn the evidence-based habits behind the AHA's Life's Essential 8.

4 min read

Heart & Blood Pressure

Understanding Blood Pressure Measurement Accuracy

Accuracy depends on a validated device, the right cuff, good technique and regular checks. Learn what validation means and how to check your monitor.

4 min read

Heart & Blood Pressure

How to Keep a Home Blood Pressure Record

A clear blood pressure log helps your doctor make decisions. Learn what to record, when to measure, how to average readings and what to…

4 min read

Heart & Blood Pressure

Understanding Resting Heart Rate

A normal resting heart rate for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Learn how to measure your pulse, what affects it and…

4 min read

Heart & Blood Pressure

What to Know Before Buying a Pulse Oximeter

Pulse oximeters estimate blood oxygen and pulse rate. Learn who needs one, how medical and wellness models differ, accuracy limits and features to check.

4 min read

Heart & Blood Pressure

Understanding Home Heart Monitoring Devices

Blood pressure monitors, heart rate trackers, personal ECG devices, pulse oximeters and scales: what each home heart monitoring device measures and its limits.

4 min read