Why measuring blood pressure

As the pressure falls, a measurement is taken when the sound of blood pulsing is first heard. This is the systolic pressure. As the air continues to be let out, the blood pulsing sound will start to go away. When it completely stops, another measurement is taken. This is the diastolic pressure. This test only takes about one minute to complete. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You don't need any special preparations for a blood pressure measurement. Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? Is there anything else I need to know about a blood pressure measurement? Exercise regularly. Staying active can help lower your blood pressure and also help manage your weight.

Most adults should aim for minutes of physical activity per week. Check with your provider before beginning an exercise program. Keep a healthy weight.

If you are overweight, losing as little as 5 pounds can lower your blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetable, and whole grains.

Limit foods high in saturated fat and total fat. Reduce salt in your diet. Most adults should have less than mg of salt per day. Limit alcohol use. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to one drink a day if you are a woman; two drinks a day if you're a man.

Don't smoke. References American Heart Association [Internet]. Monitoring Your Blood at Home; [cited Nov 30]; [about 4 screens]. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings; [cited Nov 30]; [about 3 screens]. Atlanta: U. Cleveland OH : Cleveland Clinic; c Blood Pressure; [cited Nov 30]; [about 3 screens]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c— Comparison of an in-pharmacy automated blood pressure kiosk to daytime ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive subjects.

Blood pressure monitors: Validations, papers and reviews. Dabl Educational Trust. How to monitor and record your blood pressure. Monitoring your blood pressure at home. Accessed Feb. Whelton PK, et al. In press. Thomas G, et al. Blood pressure measurement in the diagnosis and management of hypertension in adults. Hypertension adult. Rochester, Minn. See also Medication-free hypertension control 6 surprising signs you may have obstructive sleep apnea After a flood, are food and medicines safe to use?

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The dawn phenomenon: What can you do? Sit with your back straight and supported on a dining chair, rather than a sofa. Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface such as a table with the upper arm at heart level.

Make sure the bottom of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor's instructions for an illustration or have your healthcare provider show you how. Measure at the same time every day. It is best to take the readings daily however ideally beginning 2 weeks after a change in treatment and during the week before your next appointment.

Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results using a printable PDF tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your appointments. Some monitors may also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile. Don't take the measurement over clothes. Know your numbers Learn what the numbers in your blood pressure reading mean.

If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis. Call AHA Recommendation The American Heart Association recommends home monitoring for all people with high blood pressure to help the healthcare provider determine whether treatments are working.

Choosing a home blood pressure monitor The American Heart Association recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep upper-arm monitor. Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended because they yield less reliable readings.