However, most doctors agree that the ideal blood pressure for a physically healthy person is around 120/80mmHg.Ī normal blood pressure reading is classed as less than 130/80mmHg. The line between normal and raised blood pressure is not fixed and depends on your individual circumstances. Your doctor can determine the most appropriate way to both prevent and manage high blood pressure.High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is usually defined as having a sustained blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or above. Stay in touch and report any trends you notice in your self-monitoring. Your health-care provider is key in helping you manage your blood pressure. Don’t talk or move during the actual reading. When you are ready to take your blood pressure reading, sit quietly in a chair for two or three minutes.
You might want to consider a cuff that syncs to your smartphone for easy documentation and tracking.
A cuff that is too small will give a falsely elevated reading. Choose an arm cuff that is comfortable, and have it fitted at the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist what is right for you.Ĭuffs that go on the wrist are not reliable. These are available at pharmacies and don’t need to be expensive to be reliable. Choosing The Right Blood Pressure CuffĪutomated blood pressure cuffs provide systolic and diastolic pressure numbers, along with your heart rate. If you don’t have high blood pressure, it’s still a good idea to monitor about once a month. If you take medication or were recently diagnosed with hypertension, check once or twice a day. That’s why the new guidelines recommend monitoring your blood pressure at home. White coat hypertension, or high blood pressure that occurs in medical settings, is a real phenomenon. Be aware that some medications (decongestants, steroids, oral contraceptives) can raise blood pressure.Moderate exercise–simply walking briskly for 35 minutes per day–has been shown to lower blood pressure. Avoid deli meats and canned foods, and be aware that most restaurant foods have high salt content. There are simple lifestyle changes you can make to control your blood pressure: How can I lower my blood pressure without medications? Medication is only recommended for people with Stage 1 hypertension who have certain additional risk factors, including diabetes, kidney disease, or having already had a heart attack or stroke.
The hope is that most people who now have high blood pressure will make lifestyle changes rather than take medication.