Since Americans are now facing higher rates of high blood pressure and hypertension, it is becoming more important to know and understand how to stay healthy. Although there are risk factors you will need to be aware of, it is even more important to be able to monitor blood pressure both at home and at the doctor's office.
If you have blood pressure readings of 140/90 or more, then you have high blood pressure. Your doctor will be able to give you more advice on how to lower that level and you should heed that advice, because ignoring high blood pressure can be fatal. Therefore, you also need to monitor the blood pressure to make sure that the numbers are going down.
Some of the things you can expect to do to lower your blood pressure include changes in lifestyle. Working with your doctor, you can find the right level of exercise, a good diet and possibly medication to lower blood pressure. You doctor will administer a stress test to find out how well your heart is still functioning and to find out if you are in immediate danger.
After changing the way you live, you will also have to ensure that the changes made will be effective. That means you will need to know how to use a home blood pressure monitor and keep track of the readings. However, it will still be necessary to work with a professional so that you at least are sure of taking the readings right.
If it has been recommended that you make use of a home blood pressure monitor then you will be faced with choosing between two types. The wrist or fingertip monitors are among the most common chosen by people, but they are not necessarily a good choice because they are inaccurate. Even studies have proven that they are not the best monitoring devices and instead it is recommended to use a standard arm cuff.
Available in two styles the first is the aneroid monitor. It is a bit like the one you would find in a child's doctor kit and when filled with air it spins. The aneroid monitor is not expensive but they are very fragile and you also need a stethoscope to use it correctly.
Digital monitors have become the more popular choice. A little more pricey, these monitors are more durable, and come equipped with memory to track blood pressure. They are also able to print the information with some models.
The monitors discussed come in all price ranges but get the best your budget will allow since your health and well being are worth it and aside from that they give more accurate readings and will last you longer in the end.
Working together with your doctor and keep a record of your results so he can know beforehand if you are at risk for other health problems is important and your blood pressure monitor is an excellent way to help keep your health intact.
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