Dealing with High Blood Pressure?

If so, you are not alone. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate half of the adults in the U.S. (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg, or are taking medication for hypertension. Experts say sometimes it can be difficult to know if a patient has HBP because of what doctors’ call “white coat hypertension,” which shows up as HBP at a doctor’s office but is otherwise normal. Others have what is referred to as “masked hypertension”, showing up normal in the office but as HBP in normal settings. Given the number of people with hypertension and the chance for inaccurate readings, doctors say monitoring your blood pressure at home is more important for many people.

That being said, professionals offer tips to help achieve a more accurate read. To start with, they recommend a traditional cuff rather than one measuring on the wrist. It should be able to wrap around the arm and have a good amount of Velcro to keep it stable. The American Medical Association has developed the US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing to help consumers choose the most accurate devices. Another tip is to bring your device with you at least once a year to a doctor visit to compare it with in-office readings.

For the most accurate read at home, be seated and if you need, use the bathroom before you start. Sit quietly for at least five minutes and don’t drink coffee or smoke a cigarette right before reading. Sit upright in the chair with your feet on the ground and your arm relaxed and resting on a table level with your heart. Put the cuff on bare skin, keeping the bottom of the cuff right above the elbow bend. Remain relaxed with feet uncrossed. 

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