Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries when the heart contracts. It’s measured in mmHg (millimetres of mercury). Normal blood pressure is around 120/80, but it can vary greatly from individual to individual. If you have high blood pressure, your artery walls are being pushed harder and more often than they should be. This can lead to heart disease and other problems. There are things you can do to keep track of your blood pressure, and if it’s high, talk to your doctor about what steps you can take to lower it. Here are five tips to help you stay on top of your blood pressure:
1. Understand Your Blood Pressure Numbers
- Keep a pen and paper beside your bed so you can quickly record your readings.
- Take your measurements simultaneously each day, preferably in the morning.
- Only measure your systolic (top) number, and don’t worry about diastolic (bottom) numbers.
- Use a blood pressure cuff that is properly calibrated and fits snugly around your upper arm.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating large amounts of salty foods before taking your measurement.
2. Know The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
Knowing the symptoms is key if you’re concerned about your blood pressure. Here are five to watch for:
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
3. Get Regular Checkups
Regular checkups can help keep your blood pressure in check and could reduce your risk of developing hypertension. Here are some tips to make sure you get regular checkups:
- Make an appointment with your doctor – Checking your blood pressure is a good way to monitor your condition, but it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor, so they can check the results of your latest tests and set up a regular schedule for you. If you cant physically make it to your doctors appointments, look into remote patient monitoring services where they can help you keep track of your blood pressure from home.
- Keep track of your blood pressure readings – You don’t need to measure your blood pressure every time you see the doctor, but recording how high or low your reading is each time can give you a better idea of how you’re doing over time. This will also help you remember to bring along the readings when you see the doctor.
- Educate yourself about hypertension – Although it’s important to see a doctor for regular checks on your blood pressure, understanding more about hypertension can help you take better care of yourself overall. Read up on hypertension and learn what signs to look for that might indicate that you have the condition. And be sure to ask questions when meeting with your doctor. They may be able to explain things in more detail than in the medical literature.
4. Control Your Blood Sugar Levels
Here are some ways to control your blood sugar levels:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoid sugary drinks, snacks, and desserts.
- Stay active by walking or biking for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Reduce stress levels by practicing meditation or relaxation techniques.
- Get enough sleep – 8 hours per night is recommended.
5. Track Your Blood Pressure Readings
If you want to track your blood pressure readings, you can do a few things. First, ensure a reliable way to measure your blood pressure. A cuff or sphygmomanometer is the most accurate way to measure blood pressure. If you don’t have a reliable way to measure blood pressure, ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Once you can measure your blood pressure, take it at least once per week. Record the time of day, the date, and your blood pressure reading in a journal or on a chart. This will help you keep track of your progress and make changes if necessary.
To monitor your blood pressure over time, consider using an electronic medical record (EMR) system or an app such as My BP Watchdog. These systems automatically track your readings and send alerts if your blood pressure falls below certain levels. Apps like BP Watchdog also provide other helpful features, such as tracking how often you reach target blood pressure, tracking trends over time, and providing educational materials about hypertension management.
Conclusion
Keeping track of your blood pressure is an important part of managing it. Not only does it allow you to monitor the progress you’re making, but it can also help identify any potential health concerns early on. The above five tips will help you keep tabs on your blood pressure and achieve the best possible results.
