High Blood Pressure Diet Article
High Blood Pressure – Monitoring
It is estimated that every one out of three Americans are high blood pressure positive, and amongst them one quarter are not even aware of it. Even though it takes many years for complications to develop, hypertension is one thing you do not want to take too lightly. The endeavor to counter high blood pressure can be a long and demanding process, so it is best to get a head-start wherever you can.
For those aged 35 years and above, it is advisable that they should be tested for hypertension as soon as possible. The first step to getting started is to visit any clinic or hospital nearby and ask for a blood pressure test. The test is done using a portable device called the blood pressure cuff, or otherwise known as a sphygmomanometer. It consists of a soft arm cuff with a pressure gauge attached to it, then linked to a bulb pump.
The process of testing begins by strapping the arm cuff around your upper arm about one inch above your elbow joint. Then a stethoscope will be positioned at the elbow joint where a major artery passes. By squeezing the bulb pump, the arm cuff will be inflated and this will cause blood-flow to halt temporarily. The pump is then released to allow the cuff to deflate and blood-flow to resume. The systolic reading shows on the pressure gauge when the pulse is first heard and the diastolic reading is taken the first instant the pulse cannot be heard. Measurement of blood pressure is read systolic over diastolic mmHg. An individual with normal blood pressure will have a reading of 120/80 mmHg.
In order to get the most accurate results, it is advised that you do not smoke or drink caffeinated drinks at least half an hour before the test, because smoking and caffeine will raise your blood pressure temporarily. And you should also sit calmly and relax yourself five minutes before the test. When being measured, take note that your arms must be supported and raised to the same level as your heart, and make sure the cuff fits comfortably. After the first reading is done, do another test at least two minutes later, and then take the average between the two.
Many hypertensive people have personal home monitoring blood pressure cuffs so that they can keep track of their own blood pressures in the convenience of their own homes. There are also more advanced blood pressure cuffs that offer digital reading display, and they can give you very accurate readings without the use of stethoscopes. Home monitoring blood pressures are very affordable and can be gotten in most drug stores. To ensure your personal blood pressure cuff is accurate, bring it to a physician twice a year to check against his gauge.
It is always good to be on the alert when it comes to high blood pressure. Whether you are diagnosed positive or not, it is recommended that regular checkups are arranged, so that when high blood pressure comes about, you will be most ready to fight it.
