ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the diagnosis given when readings consistently rise above normal. It is well known that hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack or other illness if left untreated. Referred to as a “silent killer” because it does not always produce symptoms that alert you to the problem, hypertension is treatable when diagnosed early.
Can Hypertension Be Controlled?
In many individuals, hypertension can be controlled by altering lifestyle and- minimizing stress, and by appropriate medication prescribed and monitored by your doctor. The American Heart Association recommends the following lifestyle suggestions to prevent or control hypertension:
Don’t smoke. |
| Have regular physical |
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Reduce salt and fat intake. |
| checkups. |
Maintain proper weight. |
| Monitor your blood |
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Exercise routinely. |
| pressure at periodic intervals. |
Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home?
It is now well known that, for many individuals, blood pressure readings taken in a doctor’s office or hospital setting might be elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is commonly called “white coat hypertension.” In any case,
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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
Answers to Why Your Readings Are Different Between Home and at the Doctor’s Office
Why are my readings different between home and at a doctor’s office?
Your blood pressure readings taken in a doctor’s office or hospital setting may be elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is known as white coat hypertension.
When I bring my monitor to a doctor’s office, why do I get a different measurement from my monitor to that taken by a doctor or nurse?
The healthcare professional may be using a different sized cuff. The size of the bladder inside the cuff is critical for the accuracy of the measurement. This may give you a different reading. A cuff too large will produce a reading that is lower than the correct blood pressure; a cuff that is too small will pro- duce a reading that is higher than the correct blood pressure. There may also be other factors that can cause the difference in measurements.
Keys to Successful Monitoring:
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. We recommend that you are consistent in your daily measurement routine:
•Measure at the same time every day.
•Sit in the same chair/position.
•Do not cross legs and keep your feet flat on the floor.
•Relax for 5 minutes before measurement.
•Use the correct cuff size to get an accurate reading.
•Sit still during measurement – no talking, eating or sudden movements.
•Record your measurement in a logbook.
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