LifeSource UA-787 - Manual (Page 10)

In Canada (Toll-Free): 1-800-463-5414 LifeSource Health Line (Toll-Free): 1-888-726-9966 E-15 ❤
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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E-14 ❤
Assessing High Blood Pressure
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without
regard to age) have been established as a guideline.
BP Classification Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal <120 and <80
Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
≥
160 or
≥
100
SOURCE: The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on
Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. National
Heart, Lung and Blood Institute - May 2003.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the diagnosis given when
readings consistently rise above normal. It is well known that
hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack or other illness if left
untreated. Referred to as a “silent killer” because it does not always
produce symptoms that alert you to the problem, hypertension is
treatable when diagnosed early. Those who fall within the
Prehypertensive range are more likely to develop hypertension in
the future.
Can Hypertension Be Controlled?
In many individuals, hypertension can be controlled by
altering lifestyle and minimizing stress, and by appropriate
medication prescribed and monitored by your doctor. The
American Heart Association recommends the following
lifestyle suggestions to prevent or control hypertension:
Don’t smoke. Have regular physical
Reduce salt and fat intake. checkups.
Maintain proper weight. Monitor your blood
Exercise routinely. pressure at periodic
intervals.
ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
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Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home?
It is now well known that, for many individuals, blood pressure
readings taken in a doctor’s office or hospital setting might be
elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is
commonly called “white coat hypertension.” One way to determine
whether this is the case for you is to take your home monitor to
the doctor’s office and, before the doctor or nurse takes your
pressure, do it yourself on your home monitor and compare it to
your record of home readings.
In any case, self-measurement at home supplements your doctor’s
readings and provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure
history. In addition, clinical studies have shown that the detection
and treatment of hypertension is improved when patients both
consult their physicians and monitor their own blood pressure at
home.
Keys to Successful Monitoring:
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. We recommend that
you are consistent in your daily measurement routine:
• Measure at the same time every day.
• Sit in the same chair/position.
• Relax for 5 minutes before measurement.
• Sit still during measurement – no talking, eating or sudden
movements.
• Record your measurement in a logbook.
How Do I Record My Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure readings are typically recorded with the systolic
pressure written first, followed by a slash mark and the diastolic
pressure. For example, 120 mmHg systolic and 80 mmHg diastolic
measurements are written as 120/80. Pulse is simply written with
the letter “P” followed by the pulse rate—P 72, for example. Please
see Page E-16 for the blood pressure record.