LifeSource Health Line (Toll-Free): 1-888-726-9966
LifeSource Health Line (Toll-Free): 1-888-726-9966
E-14
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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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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 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-15 for the blood pressure record.
