Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
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Contents
Below is the contents of the information flier --- "Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home".
Blood Pressure Facts
- Blood pressure changes during the day.
It is lowest as you sleep and rises when
you get up. It also can rise when you are
excited, nervous, or active.
- Blood pressure is stated as two numbers.
Systolic is the first number.
Diastolic is the second number.
- Blood pressure is the force of your blood
pushing against your artery walls.
The pressure is highest when your heart
beats (systolic) and lower when your
heart rests (diastolic).
What you need
- Home blood pressure monitors are available at most
pharmacies.
- Ask your pharmacist which model would suit you best.
- If you have a large upper arm, check that the monitor's
cuff is large enough.
- Upper arm monitors are easier to use and tend to be
more accurate than wrist or finger monitors.
- Take your monitor to your next doctor's appointment
so its accuracy can be checked.
Before taking readings
- Do not drink caffeine or smoke for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove tight fitting clothes from your arm.
- Go to the bathroom before the reading. Having a
full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
- Sit with your back supported and your feet flat on the
floor and rest for 5 minutes before taking your reading.
Taking readings
- Rest your arm on a table at the level of your heart.
- Try to take your readings at the same time each day.
- Try to take a reading every day, unless instructed
differently by your doctor.
- Follow the monitor's usage instructions.
Recording readings
- Record the date and time of the reading, along with the
systolic (higher), diastolic (lower) and pulse numbers.
- Make notes, such as stress or medication changes.
- Keep a journal of your readings, or if you have a
computer, use a spreadsheet or special software such
as www.my-blood-pressure.com
- Take your readings with you to your appointments.
Sources and Further Reading
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