High Blood pressure( Hypertension) is a common medical condition of the present day and age. Uncontrolled High blood pressure can lead to complications like heart diseases, kidney diseases and eye damage.
Why Do You Need BP Monitoring?
If you are diagnosed with High BP, then you need BP monitoring as advised by your doctor. But even if you are not diagnosed with Hypertension you should check your BP at least once a month.This is because most of the times, high blood pressure has no symptoms. And owing to the unhealthy eating habits and stressful lifestyle, you are at risk of high blood pressure. Also, if you have a family history, you should check your BP regularly.
What Do The Readings Mean?
Blood Pressure reading consists of two numbers and our normal BP is 120/80 mm Hg. The higher number (120 mm Hg) in the reading denotes the ‘Systolic’ pressure and signifies the pressure felt by the arteries when your heart is beating. The lower number (80 mm Hg) in the reading denotes ‘Diastolic’ pressure signifying the pressure felt by your arteries in between heart beats.
What Precautions Must You Take Before Checking Your BP?
A few simple measures before taking the test are:
-Wear comfortable clothes with loose sleeves that can be rolled up.
-Sit comfortably in a chair that is placed beside a table or some other firm surface at the level of your chest.
-The chair should support your back. Do not dangle your feet, place them on the floor.
-Do not exercise, smoke, eat or drink within 30 minutes before taking the test.
-Wait for a few moments before starting the test.
What Is The Correct Way Of Checking BP?
There are two types of kits to measure BP. The digital and the manual.
When Using the Digital Monitor:
-Secure your arm (any arm as you please) in the cuff from your elbow upwards.
-Switch the monitor on.
-Inflate the cuff by pressing the bulb with whichever hand is free. For monitors with automatic inflators, just sit back and relax.
-Your cuff will start deflating, listen out for the long beep sounds. The first one will signify the systolic pressure, the second one will signify the diastolic pressure.
-After your monitor has registered both readings, it will display them on the screen.
-Let the cuff deflate completely and unwrap your arm.
When Using The Manual Monitor:
-Secure your arm (any arm as you please) in the cuff from your elbow upwards.
-You will need a stethoscope. Insert the head under the lower end of the cuff just above the elbow pit so that it rests on the radial artery.
-Tighten the screw on the airflow valve.
-Inflate the cuff by pressing the bulb with whichever hand is free
-Once the meter shows 180 mm Hg, slightly loosen the screw of the airflow valve and let the air escape slowly
-Listen for beats in the stethoscope with eyes on the meter. Record the meter readings when you start hear them (systolic BP) and then again once you stop hearing them completely (Diastolic BP).
Things To Remember
-Maintain a log-book to record your test results.
-It is best to take 3 readings, each about 2 minutes apart and then take an average of the readings for more accurate results.
-The test can also be performed at the same time on consecutive days
-If you find abnormal readings across 4-5 tests, consult your doctor.
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So, watch what you eat, stay active and monitor your Blood Pressure regularly. Stay Healthy, Stay Fit!
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Reblogged this on muralyblog and commented:
Highly informative. Care at the right time save medical costs.