BIOS BD215 - Page 8

Your blood pressure also increases and decreases under the following circumstances
Bloodpressureishigherthannormal:
 •whenyouareexcited,nervous,ortense
 •whiletakingabath
 •duringandafterexerciseorstrenuousphysicalactivity
 •whenitiscold
 •withinonehouraftermeals
 •afterdrinkingtea,coffee,orothercaffeinateddrinks
 •aftersmokingtobacco
 •whenyourbladderisfull
Bloodpressureislowerthannormal:
 •afterconsumingalcohol
 •aftertakingabath
b)Why is the doctor’s reading different from the reading taken at home?
Your blood pressure can vary due to the environment (temperature, nervous condition). When measuring
blood pressure at the doctor’s office, it is possible for blood pressure to increase due to anxiety and tension.
c)Why should I monitor blood pressure at home?
One or two readings will not provide a true indication of your normal blood pressure. It is important to take
regular, daily measurements and to keep records over a period of time. This information can be used to
assist your physician in diagnosing and preventing potential health problems.