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Blood pressure is usually higher in the morning after
sleep and it tends to slow down during the sleeping hours. The normal
blood pressure is less than 80 mmHg of diastolic pressure and less than
120 mmHg of systolic pressure. The systolic pressure is used to denote
the beating of the heart and diastolic pressure denotes relaxation of
the heart during the beats. The measurement of blood pressure of 120/80
mmHg can also be expressed as “120 over 80.”
The measurement of blood pressure must be left unrecorded in case of
self-presumptions of low blood pressure. This has to be regularly and
strictly followed as per the directions of the medical practitioner and
this is really helpful as both, the patient and the doctor keep a check
on the progress and status of the blood pressure. This also helps the
doctor prescribe timely advice and medication to the patient. The
medicine must not be taken unless prescribed by the doctor and the
usage of any health supplements must be preceded by advice from the
doctor.
What do I need to do before I measure my blood pressure?
- Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol must not be consumed 30 minutes before the test.
- Urinate before checking blood pressure.
- One must not talk while the measurement is going on.
- One must rest for a period of 3-5 minutes prior to measuring blood pressure.
- There must be a comfortable stance and the back must be properly supported.
- The arm must be placed and raised at almost the same height as that of the heart.
- Cuff’s bottom edge must be at least 1 inch high than the elbow crease.
Precautions
You must take the advice of the doctor as soon as you experience chest
pain, breathing problems, inability to think clearly, and severe
headache.
Can one use a finger or wrist blood pressure monitor?
Tests have revealed that finger or wrist blood pressure gadgets tend to
show an inaccurate picture and moreover they are comparatively
expensive and sensitive to temperature of the body and its position.
How to check blood pressure on my own?
Blood pressure can be checked with the help of blood pressure monitors
and blood pressure kits that are easily available at drug stores. The
selection of the measurement device must be done after prior
consultation with the doctor.
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