Home Blood Pressure Checks: How to Get Accurate Readings in Nigeria

Reviewed by: Amela Pharmacy team, Uyo Last updated: 28 Jan 2026

Checking your blood pressure at home can be a game‑changer—if the numbers are accurate. In Nigeria, many people buy a monitor and start checking, but small mistakes can swing the reading up or down. This guide explains how to get reliable results, what often goes wrong, and when a “high” reading is actually urgent.

Why home checks matter

High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms. Home monitoring can help you and your healthcare team see patterns over time, not just a single reading in a clinic. It’s also a good way to spot “white coat” readings (higher numbers only when you’re anxious at the hospital).

Still, home checks don’t replace clinic visits. Think of them as your personal logbook—useful, but only when done correctly.

The biggest cause of wrong readings: cuff size

If the cuff is too small, it can falsely read higher. If it’s too big, it can read lower. That’s why a one‑size‑fits‑all cuff is risky.

If your cuff feels painfully tight, it’s probably too small (and can read higher).

What to do: measure around the middle of your upper arm and choose a cuff size that matches. If you’re buying a monitor, look for an upper‑arm cuff and ensure the size range fits your arm circumference. Ask a pharmacist to help you check the size before purchase.

Quick checklist: accurate home BP in 7 steps

Use this every time you check:

1. No caffeine, smoking, or exercise for 30 minutes.
2. Empty your bladder first (yes, it matters).
3. Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring. If NEPA takes light, don’t rush and check immediately after setting up the generator or climbing stairs—sit 5 minutes first.
4. Sit well: back supported, feet flat, legs uncrossed.
5. Bare upper arm: place cuff directly on skin, not over clothes.
6. Arm supported at heart level on a table or pillow.
7. Take two readings, one minute apart, and record both.

If your monitor stores readings, still keep a simple notebook so you can show your clinician the full picture.

Common mistakes Nigerians make (and easy fixes)

We see this a lot at the counter: someone checks BP after trekking from the keke park, panics, then repeats it calmly five minutes later and it drops. That kind of rush is a common reason for high readings.

• Measuring immediately after physical effort: always wait at least 5 minutes.
• Using a wrist or finger monitor: these are less reliable than upper‑arm cuffs.
• Talking, scrolling, or laughing during the reading: stay still and quiet.
• Cuff over sleeves: remove the sleeve or pull it up enough so the cuff is on skin.
• Checking only once: always take two readings and record both.
• Sanity check: Bring the device to the pharmacy or clinic once in a while to compare its readings with the professional one.

How often should you check?

There’s no single rule for everyone, but consistency is key.

A practical baseline to try (used by many clinicians for diagnosis): - Check twice daily: once in the morning, once in the evening. - Take two readings each time, one minute apart. - Do this for 4–7 days. - Ignore the first day’s readings (they are often higher due to nerves). - Average the rest to get your true baseline.

If your readings are stable and your doctor agrees, you might only need to check a few times a week.

What do the numbers mean?

Blood pressure has two numbers: - Top number (systolic): pressure when the heart pumps. - Bottom number (diastolic): pressure when the heart relaxes.

What is a normal reading?

Many guidelines use under 120/80 mmHg as ‘normal’ in adults, but targets vary by person.

• 120-129 / <80: Elevated
• 130-139 / 80-89: Stage 1 High Blood Pressure
• 140+ / 90+: Stage 2 High Blood Pressure

Note: Use these trends to guide your conversation with a clinician, not to diagnose yourself.

A simple “BP log” format

Try this format in a notebook: - Date + time - Reading 1 - Reading 2 - Notes (e.g., “after night shift,” “headache,” “took meds late”)

This helps your clinician interpret your readings accurately.

When to seek urgent help (red flags)

Go for urgent care immediately if: - Your reading is 180/120 or higher. Wait 5 minutes and recheck. If it is still high and you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, weakness, confusion, or vision changes, seek emergency care. - You have sudden, severe headache with vomiting or trouble speaking. - You feel faint, have severe chest pain, or new one‑sided weakness.

Don’t wait for the numbers to “settle.” Get help fast.

FAQs we hear at the pharmacy

“My readings are higher at the hospital. Does that mean I’m fine?” Not necessarily. Anxiety can raise readings, but consistent home numbers still matter. Share your log with your clinician for proper interpretation.

“Can I stop my BP medicine if my home readings are normal?” No. Don’t stop or change medication without medical advice. Normal readings often mean the treatment is working.

“Is it okay to measure on either arm?” Yes. Use the same arm each time once you find the arm with the higher reading.

A few extra tips that help

• Use the same time of day when possible.
• Keep the cuff and device in a clean, dry place.
• If your cuff doesn’t fit well, replace it—don’t improvise.

Short disclaimer

This article is for general education only and doesn’t replace medical advice. If you have concerns about your readings or symptoms, seek professional care promptly.

If you’re unsure what’s safe for you, ask a pharmacist.

Sources & further reading

• WHO: Hypertension fact sheet
• American Heart Association: Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home
• CDC: Measuring your blood pressure

Tip: Ensure your monitor is validated for accuracy. You can check lists like the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) or Stride BP.