Using A Blood Pressure Monitor To Keep Your Health In Check

Being diagnosed with high blood pressure can be very disconcerting and it is quite normal to have a feeling of helplessness. Blood pressure is not like many other medical conditions and you simply cannot keep a close eye on your levels very easily. Generally it is necessary to visit your doctor or travel to a pharmacy to determine if there is an improvement in your blood pressure levels.

It can also be very depressing not knowing where you stand. This is particularly the case if you are engaging in a program to reduce your blood pressure. Sometimes, you may even feel that the effort you are putting in, is just not worth all the worry. The answer is to purchase a blood pressure monitor and not only will you feel in control, but also, you will know your exact levels at any time of the day. Further, recording your levels can also help your doctor in monitoring your situation better.

Complementing Programs or Medication: 

Purchasing a simple wrist blood pressure monitor is a great way to monitor your blood pressure reduction program as well as help your doctor adjust any programs or medications you may be on. While measuring your blood pressure at every doctor's check-up will give you a good idea of how well you are going, it will not provide you with the whole picture.

Using a blood pressure monitor at home will keep you informed of your blood pressure levels at different times of the day. Taking note of this will help your doctor to determine just how well your blood pressure medicine is working. It will also greatly assist you in determining the success level of other programs you are on.

Purchasing, Checking and Storing The Monitor:

Firstly, make sure that the blood pressure monitor that you buy is in good working order. After purchasing a monitor, the first thing to do, is double check it's accuracy. You can do this by taking it to your doctor, who will check it against his surgery unit. It is also a good idea to ask your doctor to show you how to get an accurate reading from your blood pressure monitor.

Storing the blood pressure monitor correctly is just as important as using it regularly to keep track of your blood pressure. An improperly stored blood pressure monitor will not read accurately, therefore read and follow the storage instructions. Keep the monitor away from heat and make sure that the tubing is not twisted while not in use. It is also a good idea to regularly check the accuracy of the monitor, as well as the tubing for any leaks or cracks. False readings from a faulty or inaccurate monitor is just as bad as not taking any reading at all.

Taking your Blood Pressure Readings:

Before taking your blood pressure you should go to the bathroom. Further, it is most important that you avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco for at least a half hour before taking a reading. Rest for about five to ten minutes before taking your blood pressure and preferably, you should not engage in any conversation during this rest period. The depth of this conversation, may affect your blood pressure level, giving an inaccurate indication of what the true reading may have been.

Get an appropriate chair and sit upright in a comfortable position. Your back should be supported and while taking the reading, your legs and ankles should not be crossed. Talk to your doctor about when you should use your blood pressure monitor and how many times a day you should take a reading. Make sure you write down your results and also make a note about any unusual aspect or symptom.

A review of Blood Pressure Monitors for home use will be posted soon.

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