The readings should be taken when a person is in a relaxed and resting state. The test should be repeated at different intervals of the day or over a few days until similar values are consistently obtained. Measurement should be avoided immediately after exercise or a meal, as blood pressure may be high at these times.
Beware also of the
White Coat Syndrome! It is a condition in which some people blood pressure is high in a doctor’s office but normal at home. This may be because of anxiety and stress. White Coat Syndrome may lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
Unsure about what your blood pressure numbers mean? Don't know if they indicate
high blood pressure or
low blood pressure?
If you have recently checked your blood pressure and know the top and bottom numbers, we suggest that you key the numbers in the box below and instantly get an idea whether it is normal or abnormal. The calculator evaluates your blood pressure by comparing it to the standard range for your age group, identifying any deviations from the norm. The final result will help you understand why it is important to regularly keep track of your blood pressure readings and gives tips on how to maintain a normal blood pressure.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and other medical organizations recommend that people with high blood pressure or hypertension monitor their blood pressure at home.
Home monitoring(
1✔) is easy and saves both time and money and at the same time avoids
white coat hypertension(
2✔) Blood pressure is a 'mathematical representation' of two forces(
3✔). The top number (systolic) is the force applied against the walls of the arteries when the heart beats and the bottom number (diastolic) is the force applied against the walls between the two beats of the heart (i.e. when heart is in a relaxed state). A blood pressure range of 110/70 to 120/80 is considered normal.
Advertisement
Do remember that it is important to measure the blood pressure (BP) properly for the management of hypertension(
4✔) and this may require more than one reading with the right cuff size, its correct positioning on the arm, remaining still and avoiding caffeinated drinks or smoking(
5✔). Both manual or automated blood pressure measurement requires the same precautions.
Advertisement
Monitoring Blood Pressure at HomeHigh blood pressure or hypertension is a silent disease and is a major cause of death (
6✔). There maybe no symptoms or very subtle indicators like anxiety, excessive sweating, palpitation, fatigue, dizziness or ringing in the ear. Monitoring the blood pressure at home can prevent the complications such as heart attack and stroke associated with high blood pressure(
7✔). Home blood pressure devices usually use automatic blood pressure cuff and gauge. Buy one that is authenticated by validated by a reputable medical association. The following instructions can help with the home monitoring of your blood pressure-
- Preparation for reading – Avoid caffeinated drinks and smoking. Empty your bladder and you should not have done any exercise for at least 30 minutes prior to the reading. Also avoid looking at your cell phones or watch TV during it measurement.(8✔)
- Timing of the Reading -Take the reading at the same time everyday – either in morning or evening or at both time.(9✔)
- Be still when taking the reading – Take rest for 5 minutes before the reading and be still as moving can affect the reading.(10✔)
- Take the right posture by sitting correctly – Sit on a dining chair rather than sofa with your back straight and supported. Keep you feet flat on the floor and not crossed. Your elbow should be supported flat on the table and the cuff should be where your mid- chest is so that it is t the same level as your heart.(11✔)
- Bare the Arm for the Reading – Tie the cuff on the bare arm, so either take of the shirt or pull up your sleeves.
- Choose the right cuff & Tying the cuff- Depending on your arm size you could choose between small, medium and large cuff. It is best to ask the nurse or doctor what cuff size is best for your arm. The cuff should be tied snugly around your arm and two finger breadths above your elbow.(12✔)
- Number of Readings– Take two to three readings at least one to two minutes apart. Use the same arm every day
- Measure at the same time every day. It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening. It is best to take the readings daily for a week and jot it all down in the dairy. Show it to your doctor or nurse on your next visit to the doctor.(13✔)
Advertisement
Recommended Readings on Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. But it can be lowered naturally by simple lifestyle changes.
Tribulus terrestris also known as puncture vine boosts male sexual health and treats infertility and skin complaints.
Your health care provider may use a blood pressure monitor to measure blood pressure or suggest the use of home blood pressure monitor for a better BP control.
White-coat syndrome is an increase in blood pressure only in a clinical setting, due to a fear of doctors and needles. The symptoms include weight gain and increased risk of diabetes among others.
Mini health check up is a quick and simple way to assess your current health status and risks for heart disease, if any. It predicts your life expectancy too.
The Cholesterol risk calculator assesses your risk for heart disease using the result of cholesterol test (lipid profile test).
Use these Health Screening Guidelines that list the medical conditions you should be screened for in your next health check-up.
Our easy to use blood sugar calculator helps you to get your blood sugar conversion results either in mg/dl used by the American system or in mmol/l used by the British system, which is accepted worldwide.
The blood sugar chart gives you the fasting glucose values and glucose tolerance test values for normal people and people with early diabetes and established diabetes. Also use the calculator to find out if you have diabetes.
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood flowing through your blood vessels against the vessel walls. Just by entering you age, you can get the accurate range of blood pressure value.
Is your movement restricted for a prolonged duration due to surgery or other reasons? Are you prone to excessive clotting of blood? Find out your risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) using this calculator.
Respiratory Rate and Breath-Count Calculator calculates the respiratory rate and number of breaths. More on how breathing exercises and meditation practices are necessary for good health.
Pulse rate or heart rate calculator helps you to find out the recommended average pulse rate for your age.
Try this calculator that will give in 3 simple steps the probable blood type (group) for the father when the child's (Son/Daughter) blood type and the mother's blood type are known.
Blood pressure is an important vital sign. Answer this Quiz and learn more about blood pressure. ...
Foods rich in dietary potassium, calcium and anti-oxidants such as rutin, kukoamine and vitamin C can lower your high blood pressure significantly.
Home remedies offer you herbal and natural method to treat low blood pressure or hypotension effectively.
Home remedies offer you herbal and natural methods to treat high blood pressure or hypertension. Follow these simple and natural remedies to lower or control high blood pressure.
Yoga, an ancient system of healing helps to cure high blood pressure or hypertension due to stress. Practicing yoga everyday can be a good treatment option for high blood pressure.
View list of generic and brand names of drugs used for treatment of High Blood Pressure.
High blood pressure or hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of above 140 mm Hg (systolic) and or 90mm Hg (diastolic).
Animation to understand what is blood pressure and how to measure systolic and diastolic readings of blood pressure. High or low blood pressure can be a risk factor for many chronic diseases.
Hypertension accounts for nearly 6% deaths worldwide.
Great. Easy to understand the info and calculator