High blood pressure threatens your health and quality of life
In most cases, the damage done by high blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) takes place over time. Left undetected (or uncontrolled), high blood pressure can lead to:
- Vision loss — High blood pressure can strain or damage blood vessels in the eyes.
- Stroke — High blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to clog more easily or even burst.
- Heart failure — The increased workload from high blood pressure can cause the heart to enlarge and fail to supply blood to the body.
- Heart attack — High blood pressure damages arteries that can become blocked and prevent blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Kidney disease or failure — High blood pressure can damage the arteries around the kidneys and interfere with their ability to filter blood effectively.
- Sexual dysfunction — High blood pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction in men or lower libido in women.
- Angina — Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease or microvascular disease (MVD). Angina, or chest pain, is a common symptom.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) — Atherosclerosis caused by high blood pressure can cause a narrowing of arteries in the legs, arms, stomach and head, causing pain or fatigue.
Source: © American Heart Association
Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
You can get your blood pressure measured
- By a health care team member at a doctor’s office.
- At a pharmacy that has a digital blood pressure measurement machine.
- With a home blood pressure monitor that you can use yourself.
What affects a blood pressure reading?
Many things can affect a blood pressure reading, including:
- Nervousness about having your blood pressure taken. This is called “white coat syndrome.” As many as 1 in 3 people who have a high blood pressure reading at the doctor’s office may have normal blood pressure readings outside of it.
- What you ate, drank, or did before your reading. If you smoked, drank alcohol or caffeine, or exercised within 30 minutes of having your blood pressure measured, your reading might be higher.
- How you are sitting. Crossing your legs and letting your arm droop at your side rather than rest on a table at chest height can make your blood pressure go up.
Factor | Magnitude of systolic/diastolic blood pressure discrepancy (mm Hg) |
Talking or active listening | 10/10 |
Distended bladder | 15/10 |
Cuff over clothing | 5–50/ |
Cuff too small | 10/2–8 |
Smoking within 30 minutes of measurement | 6–20/ |
Paralyzed arm | 2–5/ |
Back unsupported | 6–10/ |
Arm unsupported, sitting | 1–7/5–11 |
Arm unsupported, standing | 6–8/ |
Source: © National Institutes of Health
It’s important to get an accurate blood pressure reading so that you have a clearer picture of your risk for heart disease and stroke.
A reading that says your blood pressure is lower than it actually is may give you a false sense of security about your health. A reading that says your blood pressure is higher than it actually is may lead to treatment you don’t need.
What is the correct way to measure blood pressure?
Learn the correct way to have your blood pressure taken, whether you’re getting it checked at the doctor’s office or checking it yourself at home. Use this checklist:
- Don’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure.
- Empty your bladder before your reading.
- Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading.
- Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed.
- Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height.
- Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight.
- The cuff should be against your bare skin, not over clothing.
- Do not talk while your blood pressure is being measured.
How can I measure my blood pressure at home?
Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring at home with personal blood pressure monitor device away from a doctor’s office or hospital is easy and safe to use. Evidence shows that people with high blood pressure are more likely to lower their blood pressure if they use SMBP combined with support from their health care team than if they don’t use SMBP.
- Use a Blood Pressure Monitor that is able to record your blood pressure measurements.
- Take your blood pressure at the same time every day.
- Take at least two readings, 1 or 2 minutes apart.
What should I do if my blood pressure numbers are high?
If you are concerned about your blood pressure numbers, talk to your health care team. They can help you make a plan to manage high blood pressure.
according to research done by © Center for Disease Control
Healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges
Learn what’s considered normal, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
BlueMed Blood Pressure Monitor
BlueMed Blood Pressure Monitor Cuff Upper Arm Blood Pressure Machine Home Use BP Device Automatic Heart Pulse Rate Monitoring Meter with Cuff 22-40cm, HQ LCD Display with Memory
- The BLUEMED upper arm blood pressure monitor is a CE0413 certified medical device used to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate at home. Done by oscillometric method of blood flow measurement.
- This electric blood pressure monitor has a large LED screen with blood pressure classification indicator. Measurements can range from 30 to 280mmHg and 40 to 199 beats / minute with margin of error of only +/- 3mmHg for pressure and +/- 5% for pulse.
- The large cuff is 22 to 32cm (8.7 “- 12.6”) which is suitable for adults. It has a positioning indicator to help you get the best reading.
- Dual user mode and memory function (2×90 readings) to take measurements for the whole family. The blood pressure monitor switches off automatically after 1 minute and can then be stored in its nice zipper case.
- Main features : storage bag and user manual included, dimensions approx. 93x161x47mm, weight 380g. Requires 4 1.5V LR03 AAA batteries not included.