Chronic conditions
Sometimes blood pressure is higher at the clinic than at home. This is called “white coat effect.” It happens because being at the doctor’s office can make us feel nervous. If readings seem off, give us a call so we can make sure you’re wearing the cuff correctly.
Follow these guidelines to make sure your readings are accurate. If the numbers still seem off, give us a call.
- Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor
- Rest quietly for at least 5 minutes before taking a reading
- Keep your arm at heart level, supported on a table or armrest
- Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing, about 1 inch above your elbow
- Make sure the cuff is snug, not tight — you should be able to slip one finger between the cuff and your skin
- Don’t talk or move while the monitor is working
No. You need to use the Sutter Sync Smart Monitor because it sends your readings straight to your medical chart in My Health Online. This way, your Sutter Sync Pharmacist, care team and doctor can see them, track changes and give you personalized support.
We don’t send any alerts for your pulse. However, you can set an alarm for your pulse on the Sutter Sync Blood Pressure Monitor. You can see how in your blood pressure monitor manual.
We encourage you to take a reading anytime, but please follow our guidelines to make sure your readings are accurate:
- Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor
- Rest quietly for at least 5 minutes before taking a reading
- Keep your arm at heart level, supported on a table or armrest
- Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing, about 1 inch above your elbow crease
- Make sure the cuff is snug, not tight — you should be able to slip one finger between the cuff and your skin
- Don’t talk or move while the monitor is working
Most people take the reading on their left arm, but either arm works. What matters most is the placement on the arm. Place the cuff about an inch above your elbow crease. Make sure it’s snug, not tight — you should be able to slip one finger between the cuff and your skin.
Your care team can help with this. You can reach your Sutter Sync Care Team at 855-320-5200. They’re available Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm PT. After hours, please leave a message and they’ll return your call within 2 business days.
If you’re currently in VPACC-HF, also known as the “Pharmacist Heart Clinic,” you’ll get an invitation to join Sutter Sync in your My Health Online message center.
With Sutter Sync, you’ll still have dedicated one-on-one pharmacist support — now with more tools to keep you connected. With readings shared directly to your health chart, your pharmacist will have a clearer picture of your health and can step in early if something looks unusual.
The Bodyport Cardiac Scale tracks changes in the fluid levels in your body. When your heart needs more support, fluid can start to build up.
The scale uses these changes to calculate a Congestion Index score — a number that helps your care team spot changes early and take action if needed.
Yes. Take your Bodyport Scale reading before 2:00 P.M. each day. Readings after 2:00 P.M. won’t count toward your Congestion Index score, which your Care Team uses to monitor your health.
Blood pressure readings can be taken anytime during the day. For consistent results, try to take them around the same time each day.
If your readings are outside of your typical range, we’ll help guide you on what to do next.
Blood pressure monitor
You may get a message with guidance, like asking you to rest and retake your reading. If your readings stay high, your care team may follow up to check in and help guide next steps.
Bodyport Scale
Your readings are monitored by your Sutter Sync Heart Care Pharmacist. If something looks unusual, they’ll call you within 24 hrs to check-in and see how you're feeling.
No. The scale is assigned to you and connected to your medical record, so it’s important not to share it with others.
You can use a CGM if you have one, but you'll also need to use your Sutter Sync-provided glucometer unless your Sutter Sync Pharmacist advises otherwise.
If you use a FreeStyle Libre CGM, your Sutter Sync Pharmacist can review automatic reports of your recent readings and trends. To get started, download the latest Libre app and set up your sensor.
For help, visit the FreeStyle Libre Help Center.
A blood sugar reading shows our sugar right now. An A1C shows our average sugar over about 3 months. We can check our blood sugar with a glucometer or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). We need a lab test to check our A1C.
Many people check in the morning, before meals, after meals, and before bed. Your Sutter Sync Pharmacist and Care Team will guide you and let you know when to take readings. You can reach your Sutter Sync Care Team at 855-320-5200. They’re available Monday – Friday, 7:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. PT. After hours, please leave a message and they’ll return your call within 2 business days.
It depends. Some people check once a day, and others check more often. Your Sutter Sync Pharmacist and Care Team will help you choose what’s best. You can reach your Sutter Sync Care Team at 855-320-5200. They’re available Monday – Friday, 7:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. PT. After hours, please leave a message and they’ll return your call within 2 business days.
Numbers depend on the person. Many people aim for about 80–130 before meals and under 180 after meals, but your Sutter Sync Pharmacist and Care Team will set the right goal with you after they review your trends.You can reach your Sutter Sync Care Team at 855-320-5200. They’re available Monday – Friday, 7:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. PT. After hours, please leave a message and they’ll return your call within 2 business days.
We send you a text message with instructions if your numbers are on the low side. Otherwise, you can reach your Sutter Sync Care Team at 855-320-5200. They’re available Monday – Friday, 7:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. PT. After hours, please leave a message and they’ll return your call within 2 business days.
We'll check if you need labs, if you do, your pharmacist will order them, and you'll get a My Health Online message with where to go. After you go to get your labs, called lipid panels, the results are sent to your health chart in My Health Online. Your Sutter Sync Pharmacist will see them, review the results, and call you to chat about them.
Cholesterol numbers show the fats in your blood. “LDL” is the “bad” cholesterol, and too much can create plaque in your blood vessels. “HDL” is the “good” cholesterol, which helps protect your heart. Since everyone is different, your doctor or pharmacist can explain your numbers and what they mean for you.
Cholesterol medicine helps keep your heart healthy. You need to stay on it long-term because stopping can let your cholesterol rise again, which can increase your risk of heart problems.