Tag Archives: measure blood pressure

Maintaining your blood pressure

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If you are able to control your blood pressure you reduce your chances of getting heart disease or having a stroke. But if you are a woman, keeping your blood pressure at normal levels has been shown to afford you greater protection against heart disease than men.

According to the Hypertension Guidelines for Bermuda 2011, hypertensive women who lower their systolic pressure (the top figure) by 15mmHG reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by 40 percent compared with men who were shown to have a 20 percent reduction.

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Home checks for high blood pressure

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Patients suspected of having high blood pressure are to be given home blood pressure monitoring devices over fears millions have been misdiagnosed because they were simply nervous in the doctor’s surgery.

About a quarter of people become anxious while they have their blood pressure taken in the surgery, meaning they potentially give a misleading reading. This wrongly pushes many into the high blood pressure zone, a phenomenon known as white coat hypertension. This means up to three million people could be taking drugs needlessly or in incorrect doses.

Now the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) has produced definitive guidelines so GPs can diagnose the condition more accurately.

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Blood pressure monitors for home

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Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your blood pressure at home. To do this, you will need to get a good quality, well-fitting home blood pressure monitor.

There are two types of monitors you can use at home: a manual monitor, and an electronic or digital monitor. A digital monitor is a better option. It is very important that you have a monitor with a cuff that fits your arm (above the elbow). Make sure that the cuff is the right size (one size does not fit all).

Practice using the monitor with your doctor or nurse to make sure you are taking your blood pressure correctly.

Ask your doctor to show you how to use the monitor. Your arm should be supported, with your upper arm at heart level and feet on the floor (back supported, legs uncrossed).

It’s best to measure your blood pressure after you rest for at least 5 minutes. Do not take your blood pressure when you are under stress, have had caffeine or used a tobacco product in the last 30 minutes, or have recently exercised.

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