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• Blood Pressure Basics
• Measuring Your Blood Pressure
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Blood Pressure Basics
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood pumped from the heart on the walls of the blood vessels. Systolic pressure is the pressure of the heart contracting and pumping blood into the arteries. Diastolic pressure is the pressure exerted when your heart expands or relaxes. When you or your doctor take your blood pressure, both your systolic and diastolic pressures are measured. If your blood pressure measurement is 120 over 80 (120/80), for example, your systolic pressure is 120 while your diastolic pressure is 80.
Blood pressure can vary based on many factors, including age, gender, weight and physical condition. In general, a person's blood pressure is lower during sleep and higher when he or she is active. Blood pressure can change easily in response to physiological changes. The setting in which a person's blood pressure is measured may also affect the results.
High blood pressure is a major health problem which can be treated effectively once detected.
Measuring Your Blood Pressure
Measuring your blood pressure between doctor visits on a regular basis in the comfort of your home, and keeping a record of the measurements, will help you monitor any significant changes in your blood pressure. Keeping an accurate record of your blood pressure will help your doctor diagnose and possibly prevent any health problems in the future.
Do not confuse self-monitoring with self-diagnosis. Blood pressure measurements should only be interpreted by a health professional who is familiar with your medical history.
If you are taking medication, consult with your physician to determine the most appropriate time to measure your blood pressure. Never change a prescription medication without first consulting with your physician.
Try and take your blood pressure measurements at the same time and under the same conditions every day.
The ideal time to measure your blood pressure (to obtain your "base blood pressure") is in the morning just after waking up, before having breakfast and before any major activity or exercise. You should relax for about 5 minutes before taking the measurement.
The following situations may cause substantial variations in blood pressure readings and should therefore be avoided at least 30 minutes prior to taking your blood pressure.
Blood pressure will be higher than usual:
- When you are excited or tense
- When you are taking a bath
- During exercising or soon after exercising
- When it is cold
- Within one hour after eating
- After drinking coffee, tea or other beverages containing caffeine
- After smoking tobacco
- When your bladder is full
Blood pressure will be lower than usual:
- After taking a bath
- After drinking alcohol
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EW3111W Precise Logic® Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with 3 color light system
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