8
Remember only a physician is qualified to interpret the readings
obtained from your blood pressure kit.
No attempt should ever be made at self-diagnosis or treatment.
F. Can Hypertension be Controlled?
Although essential hypertension cannot be cured, it can usually be controlled by altering lifestyle (including
diet), adopting a program of exercise, stress management and, where necessary, with medication under a doctor’s su-
pervision.
To help reduce the risk of hypertension, or keep it under control, the American Heart Association (AHA) recom-
mends the following:
• Don’t smoke • Reduce salt and fat intake
• Maintain proper weight • Exercise regularly
• Have regular physical checkups
G. Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home?
Clinical studies have shown improved detection and treatment of hypertension when regular home blood pres-
sure monitoring is done in consultation with a physician.
Blood pressure measured in a doctor’s office or hospital setting may cause anxiety and lead to an elevated read-
ing - a condition referred to as ”white coat hypertension.“
Home measurements generally reduce the ”outside“ influences on blood pressure readings, and can provide a
more comprehensive and meaningful blood pressure history.
Range Systolic Diastolic Precaution
Classifications Blood Pressure Blood Pressure Measures
Normal <120 <80 Monitor regularly
Prehypertension 120 - 139 80 - 99 Contact your physician
–– H Y P E R T E N S I O N ––
Stage 1 140 - 159 90 - 99 Contact your
(Moderate) physician Immediately
Stage 2 160+ 100+ Contact your
(Severe) physician URGENTLY
(JNC-7 report: Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure / 2003)
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