Your Doctor will most likely have your blood pressure checked at each visit but if it is not checked correctly, the reading is of no value. You can also purchase a blood pressure monitor at your local pharmacy, make sure you know how to use it correctly. Consider the following tips when checking your own blood pressure or having it checked.
A blood pressure cuff that is too wide can cause a false low reading.
A blood pressure cuff that is too narrow can cause a false high reading.
A blood pressure cuff wrapped too loosely can cause a false high reading.
A blood pressure cuff that is deflated too slowly can lead to a false high diastolic (resting rate/bottom number).
A blood pressure cuff that is deflated too quickly can lead to a false low systolic (beating rate/top number) and a false diastolic high (resting rate/bottom number).
Blood pressure checked with the arm unsupported can lead to a false high reading.
Blood pressure checked with the arm above the heart can lead to a false low reading.
Blood pressure checked with the feet crossed while seated can lead to a false high reading.
Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the force in the arteries when the heart contracts while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is the force at rest. The systolic blood pressure will be recorded as the top number and the diastolic blood pressure will be recorded as the bottom number.
The American Heart Association reports normal blood pressure is 120/80. Pre-hypertension is considered to be SBP of 120-139 or DBP of 80-89, Hypertension stage one is SBP of 140-159 or DBP of 90-99, Hypertension stage two is SBP above 160 or DBP above 100.
One high blood pressure reading is not enough to diagnose you with high blood pressure but it does mean you should monitor it more frequently. If you do have a high blood pressure reading your Doctor should be alerted and will advise you how often to monitor it. If you have normal blood pressure and no other risk factors, your blood pressure should be checked at least every two years.
High blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer, as many as 33% of Americans have it yet one third of those do not even know it. There are virtually no symptoms to high blood pressure yet it is deadly and if left uncontrolled it can lead to; heart attack, stroke, heart failure and more. Don't be a grim statistic, get your blood pressure checked today.
As always, check with your Doctor before utilizing any and all medical advice.
Sources: americanheart.org
Bradley Fletcher