How to measure Blood Pressure correctly

In my last blog post Importance of regular home monitoring of Blood Pressure we have found that the regular measurement of bllod pressure is a must. But it is a bit difficult to find the actual blood pressure. Blood pressure varies according to the conditions prevailing at the time of measurement, so be sure to consider the following in order to obtain the most accurate measurement.
1. In preparation for blood pressure measurement ,the subject should urinate and should remain relatively still for 10 to 15 minutes prior to measurement
2. Shirts or other garments which fit tightly on the upper arm should be removed prior to fitting the arm cuff.
3. Exercise, eating and drinking, smoking etc., prior to measurement can affect the results.
4. The blood pressure varies constantly throughout the day. Measurement should be made regularly at the same time each day.
5. Do not be too impressed by the results of one measurement keep a record of blood pressure variations. Many readings tell a story.
6. When making repeated measurement the arm becomes heavy with blood, resulting in wide variations in measurement values. For this reason, repeated measurement should be made after a rest period of approximately 5 to 10 minutes or after raising the arm to relieve the engorged condition.
7. In general the blood pressure is low in summer and high in winter.
8. Emotional stresses may cause High blood pressure.

Importance of regular home monitoring of Blood Pressure

Having one's blood pressure measured by a doctor in a hospital or a clinic,or in group health checks, ends to stimulate nervousness in the subject and may even create sufferers of high blood pressure. Also blood pressure varies in accordance with a variety of conditions, and so judgment is not possible on the basis of a single measurement.

The blood pressure measured, first thing in the morning after getting up,before taking any food, and with the subject still, is known as the fundamental blood pressure. In practice it is rather difficult to record the fundamental blood pressure,but to comes near as possible to measuring the blood pressure in an environment that is close to this, it is useful to be able to take the measurement at home.

Further, you could carry out your own blood pressure control with your own blood pressure monitor at home by taking blood pressure readings on a regular basis. Even your physician may advise you to measure your blood pressure regularly at home and ask you for your daily blood pressure record.

Also read blood sugar, diastolic pressure, High blood pressure, Hypertension, systolic blood pressure

Hypertension or High blood pressure

Hypertension or High blood pressure and blood sugar are two major ailments that make middle aged into health defensive situation. Many of our middle aged population have to go for regular and life long medication and health problems due to these to diseases. Here are some in depth study into these problems that give a kick start to many other diseases. We discuss the basics, precautions and treatments for these two ailments in next few blogs.

The blood pressure reaches its highest levels in the large arteries near the heart and drop off towards the areas of the areas of the circulatory system. The blood pressure varies in accordance with the beating of the heart when the heart contracts, squeezing the blood out, the pressure inside the blood vessels is said to be systolic,and when the heart expands, sucking the blood back in, the pressure of the blood inside the blood vessels is said to be diastolic.

Hypertension or High blood pressure, which is most common among the adults and the old,if left unattended, can cause many health problems including stroke heart attack etc. It is therefore necessary to control the blood pressure to prevent it from becoming high,by reducing salt dietary regimens, and by controlling the subject's activities. Even people who are born with high blood pressure can prevent the progress of high blood pressure by means of adequate control.