Why Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home?
Many people experience “White Coat Syndrome”, which is a temporary elevation of blood pressure during a visit at their physician’s office. Although only temporary, it can cause blood pressure to rise and give a false indication of a person’s true blood pressure.
Whether or not you experience “White Coat Syndrome”, home blood pressure monitoring provides:
1)The opportunity to supplement your physician’s office measurements.
2)An accurate indication of any change.
3)A record to assist your physician in evaluating your health and making important decisions.
4)Consistent, daily measurements of your blood pressure.
Note: Variations in your individual readings should only be interpreted by your physician or trained healthcare professional.
General Blood Pressure Information
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure that is exerted by blood flowing against the walls of the blood vessels throughout your body.
Your heart, which is the center of the circulatory system, provides the force for the blood to flow or circulate. When your heart contracts or beats, the blood is forced through the blood vessels increasing the pressure. This is the highest pressure in the cycle or what is referred to as SYSTOLIC blood pressure. In between beats, your heart relaxes and your blood pressure decreases. This is referred to as DIASTOLIC blood pressure.
This complete series of events, which occurs in a single heartbeat, is known as the CARDIAC CYCLE.
Your Sunbeam® Monitor will automatically read your blood pressure and display both systolic and diastolic readings on the screen. Your systolic will be positioned as the upper number and the diastolic reading will be the lower number.
(systolic)
120/80
(diastolic)
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