The AHA recommends tracking blood pressure at home.
BP Central is the free digital log that follows the American Heart Association's guidance. Same columns, same protocol, but on your phone.
First 10 readings free. Then $6.99 once. No subscription. iPhone.
The case for home monitoring.
A single blood pressure reading at the doctor's office is unreliable on its own. The American Heart Association says home monitoring gives a far more accurate picture of your true blood pressure.
There are two main reasons. First, blood pressure varies naturally throughout the day. One office reading catches just one moment. Home readings over weeks show your real average.
Second, many people read higher at the doctor due to stress or anxiety. This is called white coat hypertension. It is very common and can lead to a misdiagnosis or unnecessary medication. A 30-day home log reveals whether your elevated office reading is a real problem or a stress response.
The AHA also recommends home monitoring for people who are already on blood pressure medication, to confirm the treatment is working between appointments.
What to record.
The AHA recommends logging more than just the two numbers. Here is what to record and why each field matters.
Blood pressure follows a daily rhythm. It is typically highest in the morning and lower at night. The AHA recommends morning and evening readings to capture this pattern.
Readings can differ between arms. The AHA recommends using the arm with the higher reading consistently, or the arm your doctor specifies. Note it every time.
Always measure sitting upright with back supported and feet flat. Lying down or standing gives a different reading. Log your position if it ever varies.
The two core numbers. Log both. The AHA looks at both to determine your category. Either number alone being elevated is enough to classify as hypertension.
Important for people on heart medications. Some treatments lower both blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor needs both numbers to evaluate the effect.
Anything that might explain an unusual reading: skipped medication, stress, poor sleep, exercise, caffeine, or illness. Notes turn raw numbers into useful clinical data.
AHA tracking guidance.
The American Heart Association gives specific guidance on how to take and log readings at home. Here is the summary.
- Take readings twice a day: morning and evening.
- Take two readings, two minutes apart, each session. Record both.
- Measure at the same times each day.
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring.
- Empty your bladder before measuring. A full bladder can raise readings.
- Do not talk during measurement.
- Log readings for at least a week before sharing with your doctor.
- Bring your log to every appointment. BP Central can write you a summary to take along.
Source: American Heart Association. Always follow guidance from your own doctor.
BP Central is the digital version of the AHA log.
The AHA log sheet is a paper form with columns for date, time, systolic, diastolic, pulse, and notes. It works. But paper has limits.
BP Central is the same log on your phone. Same columns. Same structure. It adds a trend chart over 7, 30 and 90 days, works out your averages, and writes a plain summary you can send from your phone in a couple of taps.
The reference chart inside the app uses the American Heart Association category thresholds. The summary lists your readings and your averages for the period you pick, and nothing else.
Readings per day recommended by AHA
Days of trend you can look back over
To send a summary from your phone
Common questions.
Does the AHA have an official blood pressure log?
The AHA publishes blood pressure tracking worksheets and recommends home monitoring. BP Central records the same things, but on your phone instead of paper.
How long should I keep a blood pressure log?
The AHA recommends at least 7 days before an appointment to establish a reliable baseline. For ongoing management, many doctors want to see continuous logs. BP Central keeps all your readings in one list, so nothing gets lost between visits.
What if my home readings differ from my doctor's office readings?
This is very common. Many people read 10 to 20 mmHg higher at the doctor due to anxiety (white coat hypertension). The AHA says home readings are often a more accurate picture of true blood pressure. Bring your log so your doctor can compare.
Should I log readings on both arms?
For the first measurement, it helps to check both arms. If they differ by more than 10 mmHg, use the higher arm consistently. After that, always use the same arm so your data is comparable over time.
What is the AHA's recommendation for home blood pressure monitors?
The AHA recommends validated automatic upper-arm cuff monitors. Wrist monitors are less reliable. Look for devices validated by the American Medical Association or the dableducational.org database.
Start your AHA-aligned log.
Log your readings, watch the trend build, and take a clear summary to your next appointment.
The routine is the hard part; the arithmetic does not have to be. BP Central follows the same routine and keeps the running averages for you.
Coming to Google Play
First 10 readings free. Then $6.99 once. No subscription. iPhone.
First 10 readings free. Then $6.99 once. No subscription.