Omron RX3 Instruction Manual page 18

RX3 Plus English
Hypertension accelerates arterial sclerosis which can lead to very serious
conditions such as stroke and myocardial infarction. For these reasons it is
very important to know whether the blood pressure is within a healthy
range. Blood pressure fluctuates from minute to minute, throughout the
day. Therefore it is essential to take regular measurements to help you
identify an average blood pressure.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
High blood pressure can go unnoticed for a long time, since it does not
cause noticeable symptoms. The following are all possible causes of
abnormally high blood pressure:
• Overweight
• High cholesterol level
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Stress and emotional upset
• Excessive consumption of salt
• Lack of physical exercise
• Genetic/hereditary predisposition
• Underlying illnesses, such as kidney disorders or endocrine disturbance
Blood pressure measurement
Measuring your blood pressure daily enables you to recognize high blood
pressure at an early stage and obtain medical treatment.
The oscillometric method of measurement determines your blood pressure
by measuring the pressure fluctuations caused by the pulse waves.
Since your blood pressure fluctuates within a day (see graphic next page),
you should always measure it at the same time each day to ensure that the
measurements are genuinely comparable. At the doctor's surgery,
nervousness and tension may cause your blood pressure to be higher than
in familiar circumstances at home. This is known as "White Coat
Hypertension".
17