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A&D Medical (Toll-Free): 1-888-726-9966
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In Canada - Auto Control Medical (Toll-Free): 1-800-461-0991
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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. Have regular
Reduce salt and fat intake. physical checkups.
Maintain proper weight. Monitor your blood
Exercise routinely. pressure at periodic
intervals.
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.
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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 several 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.