Main Line Health Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring Program

The Main Line Health Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring Program extends the care provided during your delivery admission, offering continued support during the postpartum period. This program is designed for individuals with chronic hypertension or those who develop elevated blood pressure, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia. These conditions can increase the risk of serious complications such as worsening hypertension, seizures, stroke or heart attack. Because high blood pressure often presents without symptoms, consistent monitoring is essential to ensure your health and safety after childbirth.

Even if you don’t currently have a diagnosed heart condition, individuals who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes — such as hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery or having a baby small for gestational age — are at significantly increased risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life, with some studies showing up to a fourfold increase in risk. Our cardio-obstetrics team is here to support your transition from acute postpartum care to lifelong cardiovascular prevention and wellness.

How the program works

If your care team recommends it, we’ll give Lankenau Medical Center and Bryn Mawr Hospital patients (where the program is currently offered) a free blood pressure cuff. You will be asked to record your blood pressure twice daily — at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. — using the MyChart app on your smartphone. In addition to monitoring blood pressure, we will screen for other potential warning signs such as headache, blurred vision, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain or leg swelling to ensure your ongoing health and safety.

Frequently asked questions

What are the hours of the program?

Our team monitors blood pressure readings and symptom survey responses Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What should I do if I have a problem after hours?

If you experience concerning symptoms after 5 p.m., on weekends, or during holidays, please contact your OB/GYN provider directly.

What blood pressure readings are considered concerning

  • Readings ≥ 160/110 mmHg are significantly elevated and may require hospitalization
  • Readings ≥ 140/90 mmHg may indicate the need for blood pressure medication

If you are consistently seeing elevated readings, please contact your cardio-obstetrics or obstetrics care team to determine the best course of action for you.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:

  • Systolic pressure (top number): the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats
  • Diastolic pressure (bottom number): the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats

Will I always need to take blood pressure medication

Blood pressure medication is typically prescribed when readings are ≥140/90 mmHg. For many patients, especially when high blood pressure develops during pregnancy, this need is temporary. However, some individuals may require ongoing management depending on their overall health and risk factors.

Will gestational hypertension or preeclampsia return in future pregnancies?

The recurrence rate of hypertensive disorders in future pregnancies ranges from 10% to 60%, with an average estimate of around 20%. When recurrence does occur, it often presents later in pregnancy and with milder symptoms.

Low-dose aspirin has been shown to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and is often recommended in subsequent pregnancies. Be sure to discuss this with your OB or cardio-obstetrics provider if you are planning another pregnancy.

What can I do to lower my blood pressure?

  • Nutrition:
    • Focus on whole, unprocessed foods — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and lean proteins such as fish, tofu or skinless poultry.
    • Avoid ultra-processed foods, sweetened beverages, artificial sweeteners and processed meats with added nitrates or nitrites.
    • Limit alcohol intake to fewer than 3 servings per week.
    • Heart-healthy nutrition resources.
  • Exercise:
    • Aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
    • Include daily movement (e.g., walking at least 250 steps per hour during waking hours) to prevent metabolic slowdowns caused by prolonged sitting.
  • Weight Management:
    • Sustainable weight loss requires a combination of nutrition, physical activity, sleep and mental well-being. Focus on long-term lifestyle changes rather than short-term diets.
  • Mental Health:
    • Chronic stress can disrupt metabolism and contribute to high blood pressure and weight gain.
    • Identify and manage stressors, incorporate daily relaxation techniques and prioritize enjoyable, restorative activities.
  • Sleep:
    • Aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep per night. Poor sleep quality is often linked to inflammation, weight gain and fatigue. Improving sleep hygiene can have a significant impact on overall health.

Which arm should I use to measure my blood pressure?

You may use either arm — whichever is more comfortable for applying the cuff. Consistency in using the same arm for each reading is recommended.

How do I submit my blood pressure in the MyChart app?

Submit your readings by either tapping the notification on your smart device or navigating to the To-Do tab within the MyChart menu.

Can I change the times for submitting my blood pressure in MyChart

The standard submission times are 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You may submit your readings within one hour before or after these times. If you miss a submission, please send a message with your blood pressure reading to the cardiology team Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. If your blood pressure is ≥160/110 mmHg outside of business hours, contact your OB/GYN provider immediately.