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    BP Tracking

    2 of 3 seniors have high BP. Tech tracks it well.

    Omron Platinum BP5450

    $80

    Best home cuff. Bluetooth to phone. Doctor-grade.

    Best cuff.

    Withings BPM Connect

    $100

    WiFi cuff syncs to app + doctor portal.

    Best smart.

    QardioArm

    $100

    Travel cuff. Bluetooth.

    Best portable.

    iHealth Track

    $45

    Budget Bluetooth cuff.

    Best budget.

    Heart Habit (app)

    FREE

    Tracks BP + reminds meds. Free.

    Best app.

    BP targets (2026)

    • Normal: under 120/80.
    • Elevated: 120-129 / under 80.
    • Stage 1 high: 130-139 / 80-89.
    • Stage 2 high: 140+ / 90+.
    • Crisis: 180+ / 120+ — ER NOW.
    • Many seniors target around 130/80.
    • Aggressive lowering can be too aggressive — work with doctor.

    Take BP correctly

    • Sit 5 min quiet first.
    • Empty bladder before.
    • Feet flat, back supported.
    • Cuff on bare arm, heart level.
    • No talking during.
    • Take 2-3 readings, average them.
    • Same time daily — morning is best.
    • Stop coffee/exercise 30 min before.

    Lower BP without meds

    • Reduce salt to 1,500mg/day (see /tools/salt-reduction-tips).
    • Lose 5-10 lbs — drops BP 5-10 points.
    • 30 min walking 5 days/week.
    • Limit alcohol to 1/day.
    • DASH diet — proven 5-15 point drop.
    • Manage stress — meditation, yoga.
    • Sleep 7-8 hrs (poor sleep raises BP).

    Common BP medications

    • ACE inhibitors — lisinopril. Common.
    • ARBs — losartan, valsartan.
    • Calcium channel blockers — amlodipine.
    • Diuretics — HCTZ. Watch for falls if dizzy.
    • Beta blockers — metoprolol. Slows heart rate.
    • Most generics $4-15/mo.
    • Take SAME time daily.

    Free help

    Heart.org (American Heart Association) — free BP charts + DASH diet. Million Hearts initiative — millionhearts.hhs.gov. Most pharmacies have free BP machines (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart). Track for 1 week before doctor visit = better treatment decisions.