Home blood pressure measurements can do more than determine whether you have white coat hypertension.

A recent study showed that people with hypertension who monitored their blood pressures at home got results an average of 3.3 mm Hg lower than those who had their pressures measured only at their doctor's office.

Here's how to take home blood pressure measurements to make sure you get accurate results:

• Measure your blood pressure several times a day at the same time each day because blood pressures vary throughout the day.
• Get duplicate readings separated by two to three minutes.
• Before you measure blood pressure, sit quietly and comfortably for about five minutes with your legs uncrossed and your back supported by the chair.
• Rest your arm on a table or desk at the level of your heart.
• Don't measure your blood pressure immediately after waking up in the morning.
• Don't eat, exercise, smoke, or drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages for at least 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
• Use the same arm each time you check your blood pressure.