Remember, only a physician is qualified to interpret the readings obtained from your blood
pressure monitor. No attempt should ever be made at self-diagnosis or treatment.
3.6. Can Hypertension be Controlled?
Although essential hypertension cannot be cured, it can usually be controlled by altering
lifestyle (including diet), adopting a program of exercise, stress management and, where
necessary, with medication under a doctor's supervision.
To help reduce the risk of hypertension, or keep it under control, the American Heart
Association (AHA) recommends the following:
Don't smoke
•
Reduce salt and fat intake
•
Maintain proper weight
•
Exercise regularly
•
Have regular physical checkups
•
3.7. Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home?
Clinical studies have shown improved detection and treatment of hypertension when
regular home blood pressure monitoring is done in consultation with a physician.
Blood pressure measured in a doctor's office or hospital setting may cause anxiety and
lead to an elevated reading - a condition referred to as "white coat hypertension."
Home measurements generally reduce the "outside" influences on blood pressure
readings, and can provide a more comprehensive and meaningful blood pressure history.
Note:
While it is important to keep an accurate record of your blood pressure
measurements, don't be overly concerned by the results of any one measurement.
Individual results may be influenced by spiking of your pressure due to diet, anxiety, or
mis-measurement resulting from excessive arm movement, or misapplication of the cuff.
Many readings taken at the same time each day give a more comprehensive blood
pressure history.
Always be sure to note the date and time when recording blood pressure and pulse
measurements. For best results, and with time permitting, 3 successive measurements
may be taken daily. Make sure to allow at least 5 minute intervals between
measurements. Discard any reading that appears suspect and record the average of the
remaining readings.
3.8. How is Blood Pressure Measured?
Healthcare professionals traditionally use a device known as a sphygmomanometer along
with a stethoscope - essentially a professional version of the very same instrument you have
purchased. The sphygmomanometer is a system consisting of an inflatable bladder contained
within a cuff, inflation bulb with air control valve, and pressure measuring manometer (gauge).
The gauge may be mechanical, digital, or mercurial. The cuff is wrapped around the limb and
inflated to constrict blood flow to the artery. As pressure is released from the cuff through the
deflation valve, blood flow returns to the artery producing pulse beats known as Korotkoff
sounds, which are detected with the stethoscope. Systolic pressure is recorded at the onset of
these sounds. Diastolic pressure is generally recorded when the sounds disappear (when
blood flow to the artery returns to normal).
