5
Why Should I Monitor My Blood Pressure At Home?
By monitoring at home you can manage your health care between
visits to the doctor. Also, you now have the means to keep a record
of your blood pressure measurements, a valuable tool for both you
and your healthcare provider.
Home monitoring may help alleviate White Coat Hypertension.
This term refers to what may cause a person's blood pressure to
be higher when taken in a medical setting. At times the stress of
just being in a doctor's office may cause blood pressure to rise.
When monitoring at home you may get a truer indication of your
blood pressure because you are in a relaxed, comfortable space.
What is Blood Pressure?
The term "blood pressure" refers to the force or pressure that is
exerted on the body's arteries as blood flows through them. Each
time the heart beats or contracts, it produces pressure in the arter-
ies. This blood pressure is what moves blood through the body,
supplying oxygen and nutrients to every organ.
Commonly Asked Questions About Blood Pressure
Commonly Asked Questions
About Blood Pressure
4
Healthy Living
Healthy Living
STAY POSITIVE -
A healthy mind goes hand in hand with a
healthy body. Daily relaxation techniques such as meditation and
yoga may be just what you need to alleviate stress. Keep your
mind focused on the positive things in life. Start out by giving
yourself a pat on the back for those walks you are now taking or
that apple you just ate!
WATCH YOUR WEIGHT -
Sometimes just a small amount
of weight loss may have a positive effect on your blood pressure.
If you have already started exercising and eating healthier, the
weight loss may just happen on its own!
REMEMBER:
Consult your physician before you start or
change your exercise routine, diet, vitamin/supplement intake
and/or blood pressure monitoring.