Checked your blood pressure lately?

l have a blood pressure machine at home.  I am sure many do, as I have hypertension, and I take blood pressure medication and I check my blood pressure on a regular basis. I have been reading about how is the best way, and the best time to take your blood pressure. So, I went to my instructional booklet and here are some ideas to help you. Always check with your own medical team before you act on any information you see on the net.

Self-measurement means control, not diagnosis or treatment. Your values must always be discussed with your doctor or a physician who is familiar with your family history.

If you are undergoing medical treatment and receiving medication, consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate time to measure your blood pressure. Never alter the dosages of any medication without direction from your doctor.

Your blood pressure depends on several factors, such as age, gender, weight, and physical condition. It also depends on the environment and your state of mind at the time of measurement. In general, your blood pressure is lower when you are asleep and higher when you are active. Your blood pressure may be higher when recorded at a hospital or a clinic and may be lower when measured in the relaxing comfort of your home. Due to these variations, we recommend that you record your blood pressure regularly at home as well as at your doctor’s clinic.

Try to record your blood pressure regularly at the same time of the day and under the same conditions. This will help your physician detect any extreme variations in your blood pressure and thus treat you accordingly.

Recently, several studies have identified elevated cardiovascular risks (heart failure, stroke, angina) associated with “morning hypertension” Morning Hypertension ( > 135 / 85 mm Hg). There is a typical rise in blood pressure during the physiological changes from sleep to arising for the day.

The ideal times to measure your blood pressure is in the morning and at least 2 hours after dinner. Measure just after you wake up, before breakfast and any physical activity, and in the absence of the urge to urinate. If this is not possible, try to take the measurements later in the morning, before you start any physical activity. Relax for 5 minutes before you record your blood pressure.

Your blood pressure increases or decreases under the following circumstances:

Blood pressure is higher than normal:

·       When you are excited, nervous, or tense

·       While taking a bath/shower

·       During and after exercise or strenuous physical activity

·       When it is cold

·       Within two hours after meals

·       After drinking tea, coffee, or other caffeinated drinks

·       After smoking tobacco

·       When your bladder is full

Blood pressure is lower than normal:

·       After consuming alcohol

·       After taking a bath/shower