Bluestone 80-5101 - Page 14

Blood Pressure Information
Health Reminder
Hypertension is a dangerous disease that can affect the quality of life. It can lead
to a lot
of problems including heart failure, kidney failure, and cerebral hemorrhagiog.
By maintaining a bealthy lifestyle and visiting your pbysician on a regular basis,
hypertension and relative disease s are much easier to control when diagnosed in their
early stages.
Systolic
(mmHg)
180 ~"~ T',1
160
I r= II .
140
11-- -------.
130 I t----~_,
120
80 85 90
100 110
Diastolic
(mmHg)
Note: Do not bc alarmed if an abnormal reading occurs. A bett e r !Odication of an individual',
blood pressure occurs after 2-3 re.dings arc taken at the same time each day over an
extended period of time. Consult your physician iflesl results remain abnormal.
Blood Pressure Q&A
•
Q: What is the difference;! between measuring blood pressure at home or at a professional
healthcore clinic?
A: Blood pressure readings taken at home are now seen to give a more accurate account as
they better reflect your daily life. Readings can be elevated when taken in a clinical or
medical environment. Tbis is known as White Coat Hypertension and may be caused by
feeling anxious or nervous.
Note: Abnormall.st results may be caused by:
I. Improper cuffplacemenl
Make sure cufr is snug-nolloo tighl or too loose.
Make sure bottom of the cuffis approximately 1-2cm (1 /2 ") above Ihe elbow
joint.
2. Improper body posilion
Make sure 10 keep your body in an upright position.
3. Feeling anxious or nervous
Take 2-3 deep breaths, wait a few minutes and resume testing.
Q: What causes different readings ?
A: Blood pressure varies throughout the course ofa day. Many factors including diet,
stress, cuff placement, etc. may affect an individual's blood pressure.
Q: Should I apply the cuff to Ihe left or right arm? What is the difference?
A: Either arm can be used when testing. however, when comparing results, the same arm
should be used . Testing on your left arm may provide more accurate results as it is
located closer to your heart.
Q: What is the best time of day for teSling"
A: Morning time or any time you feel relaxed and stress frec.
J..