It's one thing to guess how much pressure your tires have and another to guess how much your arteries have. High blood pressure is often called the silent killer, because the only way to know you have it is to have your blood pressure taken. Or when you have a stroke, and it's too late then. So know your blood pressure numbers today.
Easier said than done, even if you have an automatic, at-home device and anyone with a question of high blood pressure should have one. Little things like talking or having a full bladder can throw readings off and put you on meds you don't need or leave you without ones you do.
The leading cause of inaccurate measurements? Operator error, even at the doctor's office. Studies show that healthcare professionals rarely follow all the guidelines for accurate blood-pressure monitoring.
Make your next reading right on with these rules:
1. Sit quietly for 3 to 5 minutes before you get measured.
2. Make sure the cuff fits. A too-small cuff will overestimate blood pressure, a too-large one underestimates it.
3. Have your BP measured at least twice. The average should go in your chart.
4. Get support. Sit comfortably in a chair with a backrest with your feet flat on the floor, legs uncrossed. Your arm should be supported at heart level.
5. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol for at least 30 minutes before measuring. They can temporarily increase pressure or decrease in alcohol's case.
6. Be consistent. Blood pressure is naturally higher in the morning and lower in the evening. Do readings at home at about the same time each day.
If your reading is not between 100 and 120 for the upper number, or 55 and 80 for the bottom number, talk to your doc about strategies to get it in that range as soon as.
