MONITORING YOUR BLOOD?

NO PRESSURE.

WRITER: LIZ WILLIAMS

You probably have your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor. However, it may change, and it’s advisable to check it often no matter how healthy you feel.

High blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and other dangerous cardiovascular diseases, while low pressure causes dizziness and fainting. Both extremes can be reduced or raised to safe levels through monitoring and preventative measures. You don’t even need to visit the doctor for your checks unless you have reason to be concerned. Just buy a personal monitoring kit and check your levels. Here are some tips for doing this, and responding to results.

Choosing your blood pressure kit

Blood pressure monitors come in various guises and sizes, and a range of prices too. Peruse the online catalogs for the latest models. You can buy a light one to wear on your wrist and check before and after exercising, or a sturdier version to fasten around your upper arm. Some studies suggest that the upper-arm type gives more accurate readings. For an even fuller check, pick one with accompanying stethoscope. But a basic, low-cost monitor will suffice and can be purchased from any pharmacy, superstore, or online. The devices also give heart rate and pulse readings for you to compare before and after activity and from day to day. Many register the dates and times of your checks, and some give records and averages of previous readings. If your readings give cause for alarm, see your doctor immediately.

Normal blood pressure variations

You’ll find wide variations in your blood pressure readings through the day, and from day to day, due to influencing factors such as exercise, tension, energy levels, and meals. Overall, however, the readings should fall within the safe range, as specified in your kit’s accompanying handbook. You may see huge variations within a few minutes, especially if your mood, position, or activity level changes, so don’t be unduly alarmed at the odd extreme reading. For maximum accuracy, have a few minutes’ quiet time first and make sure you’re relaxed and comfortable before starting the procedure. Then follow the instructions carefully. A blood pressure test can’t be rushed.

Understanding your readings

You’ll find two readings on your monitor screen, one above the other. The upper figure represents the systolic, or amount of pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts, and should ideally lie between 90 and 120. The lower figure represents the diastolic, or pressure between heartbeats, which should average between 60 and 80.

When to see a doctor

If your readings repeatedly fall outside the safe zone, seek advice from your doctor, who will probably recommend a healthier lifestyle, including more exercise and relaxation and a high-fiber, low-fat diet. If you’re overweight, you’ll be advised to cut down your food intake to relieve the strain on your heart, and if you enjoy a daily tipple, you may need to cut down on that too. If you want to keep healthy, fit, and full of energy, take all those precautions anyway. Depending on the severity of your problem, you may also be prescribed tablets to keep blood pressure under control.

You don’t need to let the checks rule your life or cause you undue stress. (It’s just as important to look both ways before crossing the road, but you don’t lie awake at night worrying about traffic, do you?) Blood pressure problems may occur at any age, even with a healthy lifestyle, so for peace of mind, keep a check on yours at all times.