How is Blood Pressure Measured?

When your blood pressure is measured, you will see two numbers, usually separated by a slash, for example, 120/80. A health professional would refer to this reading as “one-twenty over eighty.” The first, or higher, number refers to the systolic pressure, and the second number to the diastolic pressure. Both of these numbers are significant in terms of your health. (See What are the risks of high blood pressure?)

Your Personal Numbers

Although a blood pressure of 120/80 is considered normal for most adults, a variety of factors affect what is right for you personally. For example, a normal blood pressure reading for a 25-year-old would not necessarily be considered the norm for a 60-year-old. (Similarly, a 60-year-old’s blood pressure would not necessarily be considered appropriate for someone much younger.) Your doctor can help you determine what is a healthy blood pressure for you, and help you develop a program to reach and attain that level.

The Importance of Testing

If you are healthy, you need only have your blood pressure tested once a year. If you have a health condition, however, it is likely you should be tested more frequently. Your doctor can determine the best schedule for you.

When Should You Take Your Blood Pressure?

Many factors can affect your blood pressure reading, including the very fact that you are having it taken. Some people feel nervous or uncomfortable when visiting the doctor, and their blood pressure reacts to this stress by rising. Since this could be falsely interpreted as high blood pressure, it is important that you let your doctor (or nurse) know if you are feeling nervous or uncomfortable.

Other factors that may affect your reading are caffeine consumption and exercising immediately before your blood pressure is taken. Even the time of day that your blood pressure is measured can affect the reading. Blood pressure is usually higher in the morning than in the afternoon. (It may therefore be wise to have your blood pressure taken at different times over several days.)

What Are The Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

In general, you cannot tell if you have high blood pressure (sometimes referred to as hypertension). The only way to find out if it is elevated is to have it measured. Although, when we are tense, it may feel like our blood pressure is soaring, often this is not the case. Similarly, we may feel calm and relaxed, yet have dangerously high blood pressure.

As an emotion, anger can very often cause a temporary rise in blood pressure. This is perfectly normal. However, the person who maintains ongoing high blood pressure, whether angry or calm, is considered at risk.

What Are The Risks of High Blood Pressure?

People with high blood pressure have an increased risk of major health conditions including:

• Cardiovascular disease such as angina, heart attack and stroke. (The risk of cardiovascular disease is linked to other factors including whether or not you are a smoker, have elevated cholesterol, or diabetes. Slightly elevated blood pressure, on its own, may not necessarily be a risk factor.)
• Kidney damage
• Eye problems
• Circulation problems in the legs, which could eventually lead to gangrene

Self-Monitoring Your Blood Pressure

If you find yourself stressed by visiting the doctor for a blood pressure reading, or you have a restrictive time schedule, you may want to invest in a self-testing device. A number of convenient blood pressure testing devices are available from your London Drugs pharmacy, including models that are worn on the wrist, or which store your readings and provide a monthly average. These self-testing devices allow you to test your blood pressure in the comfort of your own home, when you are feeling a “normal” degree of stress.

If you feel you do not test your blood pressure enough to warrant the purchase of a personal monitor, you will find the automatic blood pressure testing machine -  located in most London Drugs pharmacies - a convenient way to test. All you need do is sit down, slip your arm into the cuff, press a button and wait a few seconds. The machine will display your blood pressure reading. You may wish to take three readings and then take the average of these to get an accurate picture of your blood pressure. Remember that the pharmacist is close by to assist you should you desire.

Using a Blood Pressure Monitor Correctly

The right cuff size is very important. Blood pressure readings will be inaccurate if your cuff is the wrong size. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will be able to tell you the cuff size you need, based on the size of your arm.

You should have your monitor checked for accuracy once a year. Proper care and storage are also important. Always make sure that the tubing is not twisted during storage, and keep it away from heat. The tubing should be periodically checked for cracks or other damage. If you are in doubt as to how to use your monitor, your London Drugs pharmacist will be pleased to help you.

Reducing Elevated Blood Pressure

The following lifestyle tips will help you prevent hypertension and heart disease:

• Stop smoking
• Lose weight
• Cut down on your salt consumption
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, grains, and fibre
• Control alcohol intake (no more than two drinks per day)
• Get regular physical activity (30 to 45 minutes of activity several days a week)