E-11
❤
In Canada (Toll-Free): 1-800-463-5414
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
E-10
❤
LifeSource Health Line (Toll-Free): 1-888-726-9966
❤
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 ele-
vated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is
commonly called “white coat hypertension.” One way to deter-
mine whether this is the case for you is to take your home moni-
tor 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-12 for the blood pressure record.
Assessing High Blood Pressure
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (with-
out regard to age) have been established as a guideline.
SOURCE: The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on
Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute - May 2003.
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, hyperten-
sion is treatable when diagnosed early. Those who fall within the
Prehypertensive range are more likely to develop hypertension in
the future.
Can Hypertension Be Controlled?
In many individuals, hypertension can be controlled by altering
lifestyle and minimizing stress, and by appropriate medication pre-
scribed and monitored by your doctor. The American Heart
Association recommends the following lifestyle suggestions to pre-
vent or control hypertension:
Don’t smoke.
Have regular physical
Reduce salt and fat intake.
checkups.
Maintain proper weight.
Monitor your blood
Exercise routinely.
pressure at periodic
intervals.
BP Classification
Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal
<120
and
<80
Prehypertension
120-139
or
80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension
140-159
or
90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
≥
160
or
≥
100
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
❤
UB328_0104 2/3/04 10:51 AM Page 14
