Taking Blood Pressure Measurements: Vital for Controlling Blood Pressure
Controlling high blood pressure forces us to examine our lifestyles. Blood pressure often responds to changes in diet and exercise level, and to stress management. Patients can do a lot to control their own blood pressure, by active prevention measures and simple monitoring of their hypertension.
Taking your blood pressure measurements regularly allows you and your doctor to gauge how well you're controlling your hypertension, and is essential for any hypertension treatment program. Due to the lack of visible hypertension symptoms, blood pressure measurements are the only way to determine how well you are responding to treatment. Reducing hypertension is essential in preventing damage to the heart and other internal organs.
For pregnant women with hypertension, taking blood pressure measurements is even more important because if left untreated, physiological problems may arise for both the mother and the fetus.
Untreated hypertension increases the risk of developing complications including malignant hypertension, a medical emergency in which the kidney is typically the target of damage due to a complex series of changes in the cardiovascular system.
Self-Monitoring Hypertension
Monitoring your blood pressure at home has its benefits. Normally, you don't spend the day waiting around a doctor's office so the blood pressure readings may not reflect your blood pressure as you go about your daily activities. By measuring your own blood pressure at home, you will be able to provide your doctor accurate information regarding your blood pressure. With more information, your doctor will be able to better treat you.
You can check your own blood pressure at home by purchasing monitoring devices from drug or department stores. Many of the newer gauges are electronic and don't require messing around with stethoscopes. Periodically check your home readings against those your doctor takes to make sure your gauge is working properly.
You can check your own blood pressure at home by purchasing monitoring devices from drug or department stores. Many of the newer gauges are electronic and don't require messing around with stethoscopes. Periodically check your home readings against those your doctor takes to make sure your gauge is working properly.
Taking Your Blood Pressure
When taking your blood pressure, keep these things in mind:
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Measure your blood pressure around the same time each day. The recommended times are when you first wake up and right before dinner unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
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Make sure your blood pressure equipment is functioning properly. Have your doctor check it when you first get it and have it serviced annually.
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Make sure the cuff is an appropriate size. If it is too small or too large, the blood pressure measurements will be inaccurate. In general, the inflatable part of the cuff needs to be able to wrap around your upper arm.
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Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol at least thirty minutes before you take your blood pressure. These substances will temporarily alter your blood pressure.
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Use the restroom before taking your blood pressure.
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Stay relaxed and focused. Emotions, physical activity, and the surrounding environment affect blood pressure. Keep distractions to a minimum in order to get an accurate reading.
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Sit in a chair with your back supported and your arm at the level of your heart, palm facing up. Rest for a few minutes in this position before taking your blood pressure.
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Don't talk or cross your legs.
- Don't round off numbers. If your blood pressure is 154mm Hg, don't round off to 150mm Hg. A few millimeters can make a big difference.
Resources
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2001). Blood pressure monitoring at home. AAFP handout.
Cleveland Clinic Health System. (2003). Checking your blood pressure at home. CCHS handout.
Women's Heart Foundation. (nd). Taking your blood pressure: A guide to self-monitoring [HHG9 Rev03.11].
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2001). Blood pressure monitoring at home. AAFP handout.
Cleveland Clinic Health System. (2003). Checking your blood pressure at home. CCHS handout.
Women's Heart Foundation. (nd). Taking your blood pressure: A guide to self-monitoring [HHG9 Rev03.11].
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