How to Check Your Blood Pressure at Home
In a world of high cholesterol and rising obesity, checking your blood pressure is one way to ensure that your health is remaining steady or improving as you exercise and maintain a healthy diet. You can check your blood pressure at home with blood pressure monitors or you can check it periodically at the doctor’s office or a pharmacy.
Checking Blood Pressure at Home
If you have an inexpensive blood pressure monitor at home, you can check your blood pressure as often as you’d like. Wrap the fabric cuff around your upper arm while your arm is supported at heart level. Squeeze the bulb to inflate the cuff until the pressure gauge peaks. Stop pumping and the cuff will slowly deflate.
Read Your Results
The digital readout on the monitor will be your blood pressure. The top number is the systolic pressure or the pressure when the heat actually beats, and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure or the lowest pressure while the heart rests between beats. After taking your blood pressure the first time, wait two to five minutes and take it again. Then average the two results together for the most accurate reading.
Analyze Your Blood Pressure Results
If your blood pressure came back higher than 140 over 90, you may be suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. Contact your doctor’s office for a follow up reading and advice on lowering your blood pressure to ensure your health and safety.
(No Ratings Yet)
Posted in Family Health, Health and Fitness
