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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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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.” One way to determine whether this is the
case for you is to take your home monitor to the doctor’s
office and, before the doctor or nurse takes your pressure,
do it yourself on your home monitor and compare it to your
record of home readings.
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.
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.
• Relax for 5 minutes before measurement.
• Sit still during measurement – no talking, eating or
sudden movements.
• Record your measurement in a logbook.
How Do I Record My Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure readings are typically recorded with the
systolic pressure written first, followed by a slash mark and
the diastolic pressure. For example, 120 mmHg systolic and
80 mmHg diastolic measurements are written as 120/80.
Pulse is simply written with the letter “P” followed by the
pulse rate—P 72, for example. Please see Page E-13 for the
blood pressure record.
TM
LifeSource Health Line (Toll-Free): 1-888-726-9966
In Canada (Toll-Free): 1-800-463-5414
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