Home Blood Pressure Monitoring with OTC Benefit
2026-04-14 · MY OTC
Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
High blood pressure affects 75% of adults over 65. Home monitoring is one of the most effective ways to manage it, and your OTC benefit can cover the equipment.
OTC-Covered BP Products
- Automatic arm cuff monitor: $20-40 (many OTC catalogs include them)
- Replacement cuffs: For wear and tear
- Batteries: Keep your monitor running
- BP log book: Track your readings (some plans)
How to Take Accurate Readings
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
- Place cuff on bare upper arm, 1 inch above elbow
- Keep arm supported at heart level
- Take 2 readings, 1 minute apart, and average them
- Measure at the same time each day (morning is best)
When to Call Your Doctor
- Systolic (top number) consistently above 140
- Diastolic (bottom number) consistently above 90
- Any reading above 180/120 — seek immediate care
Pro tip: Share your home readings with your doctor at every visit. Studies show that home BP monitoring combined with regular doctor visits reduces stroke risk by 20%.