High blood pressure raises the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. It is important to test blood pressure regularly, as it can be high without ever causing symptoms. Blood pressure can be checked by a physician during regular office visits, and many community centers offer free blood pressure tests. There are also blood pressure machines that can be used at home, however steps must be taken to ensure their accuracy.
Identification
Blood pressure measures the force the blood is exerting against the artery walls as it is pumped though
the body. It is recorded as a fraction such as 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The top number is the systolic pressure, read during the heart's beating. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which represents when the heart is at rest. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a sign that the heart is working harder than normal. Once blood pressure starts to climb over 120/80 mmHg it is considerd high.
Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer," as a heart attack or stroke may be the only warning sign. The only sure way to know if it is high is to check it, warns the American Heart Association. A physicain can provide information on how often to test it, based on individual risks and overall health.
Benefits
One high blood pressure reading does not always indicate hypertension, and there are cases where a patient's blood pressure can be higher in the doctor's office, due to the anxiety of being tested. Also, if blood pressure is taken at an office after the patient has been rushing around, pressure may be higher than normal as well.
Given this, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends checking blood pressure at home and keeping a record of it, which can be shared with a physician. This can help to keep track of blood pressure changes over a period of time. Recording blood pressure can also help to determine if blood pressure medication is working.
Types
Several different kinds of home blood pressure monitors are on the market, and it is important to pick one that is comfortable and easy to use. Some require that the patient pump up the cuff manually, while other models inflate themselves. Before purchasing a machine, check with a physician or nurse as to what size cuff is required, because a poorly fitting cuff will not give accurate results. Finger or wrist monitors are not recommended, as they are not the most accurate. Some models have larger displays, which are easier to read, while others provide a printout. Some require the use of a stethoscope, which may be difficult for those with hearing loss. Other units sense the pressure for the user. No matter what type of machine is used, there are procedures to follow that can improve the accuracy of the machine.
Techniques
How the machine is used makes a difference in the accuracy of the reading. After buying a blood pressure machine, the first step is to take it to the doctor's office. The doctor or nurse can check the reading of the home unit against the unit in the office. It is also important to use the machine while there, so a health care professional can make sure blood pressure is being taken correctly. If the machine is ever dropped, damaged or giving irregular readings, take it back to the doctor' s office to be checked again.
In addition, it is best to avoid public blood pressure machines such as those found in stores and pharmacies, as they are often not accurate and have only one cuff size.
Considerations
Once the machine has been tested at the doctor's office, it is important to take blood pressure as often as recommended by a health care professional and to take steps to ensure the most accurate results. To help obtain the best reading, the Cleveland Clinic suggests sitting quietly and taking some deep breaths for a few minutes first. Then push back any tight clothing and place the cuff snugly around the left arm if possible. Sit back in the chair and relax the arm on a table, so that the cuff is at approximately the same level as the heart and the palm and forearm are facing up.
Next, relax for five to 10 minutes. Do not cross the legs and avoid talking during this time. When ready, follow the instructions that came with the machine to take the blood pressure. After the reading is obtained, wait at least one minute and then try again, to see if the reading is the same.
Warnings
Certain situations can cause a rise in blood pressure and make a reading inaccurate. Avoid taking blood pressure right after waking up, especially if sleep was disturbed. Do not exercise or ingest caffeine, tobacco and alcohol for at least 30 minutes prior to taking a reading. Empty the bladder and bowels before taking blood pressure. If rolling up a sleeve, make sure it is not too tight around the arm, which can interrupt circulation. Make sure the arm being tested is not too high or low. Try taking readings two times a day, once in the morning and once at night, to see if there is a difference. Keep in mind that certain medications can raise blood pressure as a side effect, and this should be discussed with a doctor.
