Measuring Blood Pressure Correctly

Blood Pressure is the force of your blood moving through the arteries. It is recorded as two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHG. The higher (top) number is the systolic pressure, which is the pressure of the blood being forced through the arteries by the heart. The pressure between heartbeats is the lower number, and is called diastolic pressure.

If your doctor has diagnosed you as having high blood pressure (known medically as Hypertension), it is probably a good idea to learn how to take your own blood pressure at home. There are several home blood pressure monitors available today that make this an easy task to perform yourself, many of them with digital readouts. The least expensive digital units have a squeeze bulb for manually inflating the cuff. If you are unable to squeeze the inflation bulb or simply want the convenience, you can spend a bit more and purchase a self-inflating monitor. The basic self-inflating models require you to choose a setting that is about 40 mmHG above your normal Systolic (high) reading, but some people find that the cuff becomes uncomfortably tight during inflation. If comfort is an issue, the top of the line models offer internal logic that automatically chooses the correct pressure to stop inflating the cuff. Either way, these automatic, self-inflating models offer one-touch convenience for the user.

Here are a few tips that will make your home blood pressure reading more accurate:

• Avoid tobacco, caffeine and food for about an hour before taking your blood pressure.
• Sit quietly and relax for about 5 or 10 minutes before taking the reading. If you are excited, angry or upset, your reading might be higher than normal.
• Read the manufacturer's instructions packaged with the unit to learn how to properly apply the cuff. The left arm is preferred if possible.
• Sit in a chair with your back supported, your feet flat on the floor and your arm on a table or other support surface that will allow the cuff to be level with your heart.
• Sit still during the reading. Do not talk or cross your legs.
• Try to take your readings at the same time each day, and keep a log of your daily readings. This will help make sure your readings are consistent and will enable your doctor to notice any trends or changes in your blood pressure over time.

HighBloodPressureConnection.com offers a great deal of good information on blood pressure management and related topics that can help you lead a more active lifestyle.