1. Testing Blood Pressure Is Important
Testing blood pressure is vital for controlling high blood pressure and managing your hypertension. Home blood pressure monitors make it easy and affordable to test your blood pressure regularly. Your doctor will test your blood pressure routinely during regular checkups but it's important that you know how to test your blood pressure accurately and regularly so you can work with your doctor to keep your blood pressure under control.
2. Understanding the Numbers
Your blood pressure monitor will display two numbers when you take a blood pressure reading and both of these numbers reflect your blood pressure. The number displayed on top is called the systolic reading; the systolic reading measures blood pressure when the heart is beating. The bottom number, called the diastolic reading, indicates the blood pressure level when the heart is resting. Together, systolic and diastolic readings determine your overall blood pressure or level of hypertension.
3. Use a Left Arm Measurement
You should always take your blood pressure reading using your left arm unless there is a medical reason that you are unable to do so. The left side of the body is the side of the body that blood is pumped to immediately after it leaves the heart's chambers, then it circulates through your body and returns to the heart on your body's right side. This means that the blood flowing through your left arm will give you a more accurate reading of the blood pressure in your heart than readings taken on the right arm.
4. Make Testing a Daily Routine
Take your blood pressure every day. Daily blood pressure testing will allow you to detect any changes or abnormalities in your blood pressure levels that you might need to tell your doctor about, and also help you track your progress in lowering your hypertension and maintaining a low number. Blood pressure will vary and change throughout the day, so try to take your blood pressure reading at the same time every day for accuracy.
5. Be Still for the Reading
Exercise and blood pressure testing are not a good combination. Smoking, eating and exercise can all affect blood pressure readings, so try to sit still and not be active for at least 30 minutes prior to taking your blood pressure reading. This might seem hard with a busy lifestyle, but it can always be used as an opportunity to plan that night's dinner or read a chapter of your favorite book. When you take your reading, sit still, keep your feet flat on the floor, make sure the monitor is on a level surface and do not talk or move when the monitor is working. Being patient and sitting still will guarantee a more accurate reading.
