Learn To Monitor and Manage Your Blood Pressure in 2021

Age and lifestyle factors strongly influence the likelihood of one having High blood pressure. Lifestyle modifications are key to BP. Lifestyle modifications include weight control, exercise, dietary sodium restriction, moderation of excessive alcohol, and a sensible diet.

High blood pressure is correlated with an increased risk of heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. However, High blood pressure does not have to be “high” to lead to these issues; even prehypertension can put one at risk for heart failure, stroke, or chronic kidney disease. People with pre-hypertension are more likely to develop sustained hypertension over the next 5-10 years.

There are two aspects to blood pressure: systolic and diastolic values.

– Normal BP is systolic BP (SBP) <120 mm Hg and diastolic BP (DBP) <80 mm Hg or 120/80.

– Hypertension is defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg or DPB ≥90 mm Hg or ≥140/90.

– Pre-hypertension is defined as untreated SBP 120 to 139 mm Hg or untreated DBP 80 to 89 mm Hg.

– Stage 1 hypertension is SBP 140 to 159 mm Hg and/or DBP 90 to 99 mm Hg.

– Stage 2 Hypertension is SBP ≥160 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥100 mm Hg.

Home blood pressure measurement has grown with the introduction of small, easily and reliably operated automatic monitoring devices. Home blood pressure devices are convenient and inexpensive methods of getting involved with your own care. However, unless devices are properly maintained and used, they may produce unreliable results.

Blood pressure should be taken while sitting in a chair with feet on the floor and your arm comfortable supported at heart level. Caffeine, exercise, and smoking should be avoided for at least 30 minutes prior to taking your Blood pressure. You can track your BP by keeping a log and recording your values daily.

If you do find at home that you have Home blood pressure and visit a clinic for follow up.