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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 home readings.
In any case, self-measurement at home supplements the 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.
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-14 for the blood pressure record.
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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Assessing High Blood Pressure
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure
(without regard to age) have been established by the National
Institutes of Health JNCVI.
Category Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Optimal <120 <80
Normal <130 <85
High Normal 130 - 139 85 – 89
Hypertension
Stage 1 140 – 159 90 – 99
Stage 2 160 – 179 100 – 109
Stage 3 ≥180 ≥110
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 physical checkups
Reduce salt and fat intake Exercise routinely
Maintain proper weight Monitor your blood
pressure regularly
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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