the number heard at the second.
Sometimes, a machine is used to check your blood pressure. The procedure is the same. The machine "listens for your pulse instead of a person.Most often, blood pressure measurement will take 1 to 2 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may go home right away. Your doctor will tell you if you need more tests.
- The results will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your blood pressure. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What care is needed at home?
- Your doctor may find you have a problem with your blood pressure. Then you may need to check your blood pressure at home. If so, you will learn how to do this. Be sure to keep a record of every blood pressure reading.
- Your doctor may give you drugs for high blood pressure. Take your drugs as ordered.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may ask for other tests if you have low or high blood pressure. This will help to decide the best treatment plan for you.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Keep a normal weight. If you are too heavy, lose weight.
- Keep cholesterol and blood sugar under control.
- If you smoke, stop smoking. Smoking can increase your blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly. A 30-minute workout each day can help control your blood pressure, manage your weight, and strengthen your heart.
What problems could happen?
High blood pressure can lead to heart attack or stroke. ‚
Helpful tips
- You should have a blood pressure test at least once every 2 years to screen for high blood pressure. This should start at age 18.
- If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should have blood pressure tests more often.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/High-Blood-Pressure-or-Hypertension_UCM_002020_SubHomePage.jsp ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Blood_pressure_explained ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/diagnosis-tests/blood-pressure-monitoring-at-home.html ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ¢ ˆ ’ Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/bp/bp.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚