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What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the diagnosis given when readings
consistently rise above normal. It is well known that hypertension can
lead to stroke, heart attack or other illness if left untreated. Referred to as a
"silent killer" because it does not always produce symptoms that alert you
to the problem, hypertension is treatable when diagnosed early.
Can Hypertension Be Controlled?
In many individuals, hypertension can be controlled by altering lifestyle
and minimizing stress, and by appropriate medication prescribed and
monitored by your doctor. The American Heart Association recommends
the following lifestyle suggestions to prevent or control hypertension:
Don't smoke .
Reduce salt and fat intake .
Maintain proper weight .
Exercise routinely .
Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home?
It is now well known that, for many individuals, blood pressure readings
taken in a doctor's office or hospital setting might be elevated as a result
of apprehension and anxiety. This response is commonly called "white
coat hypertension."
In any case, self-measurement at home supplements your doctor's
readings and provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure history.
In addition, clinical studies have shown that the detection and treatment
of hypertension is improved when patients both consult their physicians
and monitor their own blood pressure at home.
LifeSource Health Line (Toll-Free): 1-888-726-9966
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Have regular
physical checkups .
Monitor your blood
pressure at periodic
intervals .
Answers to Why Your Readings are Different Between Home
and at the Doctor's Office
Why are my readings different between home and at a doctor's office?
Your blood pressure readings taken in a doctor's office or hospital setting
may be elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is
known as white coat hypertension.
When I bring my monitor to a doctor's office, why do I get a different
measurement from my monitor to that taken by a doctor or nurse?
The healthcare professional may be using a different sized cuff. The size of
the bladder inside the cuff is critical for the accuracy of the measurement.
This may give you a different reading. A cuff too large will produce
a reading that is lower than the correct blood pressure; a cuff that is
too small will produce a reading that is higher than the correct blood
pressure. There may also be other factors that can cause the difference in
measurements.
Keys to Successful Monitoring:
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. We recommend that you are
consistent in your daily measurement routine:
• Measure at the same time every day.
• Sit in the same chair/position.
• Do not cross legs and keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Relax for 5 minutes before measurement.
• Use the correct cuff size to get an accurate reading.
• Sit still during measurement – no talking, eating or sudden
movements.
• Record your measurement in a logbook.
In Canada–Auto Control Medical (Toll-Free): 1-800-461-0991
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