Measuring your blood pressure at home means you'll be able to take readings over several days to get a greater picture of your health, slightly than a one-time measurement at a health care provider's clinic.
It is very important that you simply follow specific steps to get an accurate reading.
But Our study It found that the majority Australians don't measure their blood pressure accurately at home and only a few are given steps to follow.
We have created Resources To help people measure their blood pressure at home, understand their readings and take motion with their healthcare team.
High blood pressure is a serious problem.
High blood pressure is a serious health problem in Australia and globally.
One in three Australian adults High blood pressure can be often known as hypertension. This is when your Blood pressure is At or above 140/90mmHg (mmHg refers to millimeters of mercury, a regular measurement of blood pressure).
Have hypertension Key partners To prevent health problems and early death in Australians since it is the important risk factor for heart disease, stroke, dementia and kidney disease.
Why is blood pressure measurement essential?
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. So the one option to know if you could have it's to measure it.
You might also need to examine in case your blood pressure has come down after starting the drugs or when you are making lifestyle changes, corresponding to exercising more, giving up smoking or salt. Reduce the usage of low blood pressure (Hypotension) may also be an issue.
But blood pressure changes based on how we're feeling, what we've eaten or the activities we're doing.
These normal reactions mean that our blood pressure can change from minute to minute and hour to hour. That's why there are specific, advisable steps to reliably measure your blood pressure and compare readings taken days, months, and years apart.
Mistakes are common.
We surveyed and interviewed 350 people (who were measuring their blood pressure at home) from around Australia to learn how Australians measure their blood pressure at home and in the event that they should. There is a few education to assist them know what to do.
Our study found that nobody followed all the precise, advisable steps to measure their blood pressure. Instead, he said he measured his blood pressure at different times of the day after doing various things.
We found that the majority people measured their blood pressure while sitting (90%) and with the cuff on their bare arm (77%), which is the right thing to do.
While 58% of individuals took two blood pressure measurements each time that was correct, only 40% used the common of the 2 blood pressure measurements. Very few (15%) measured their blood pressure each within the morning and within the evening for several days.
Only half of the people in our study used a blood pressure device previously. Medically verified. It means the device is finished. Tested for accuracy According to the manufacturer International standardsNot just safety.
Consultation and communication
Regardless of whether or not a health care provider advisable measuring their blood pressure at home, most individuals (78%) reported their blood pressure readings to their doctor.
These findings suggest that physicians often use home blood pressure readings to assist diagnose and manage hypertension. This emphasizes how essential it's to make certain people measure their blood pressure accurately.
Many people were measuring their blood pressure just a few times every week or month. But most of all Instructions Recommend that blood pressure be measured only at home: day by day for every week, every six months; And ideally before seeing your doctor and after starting or changing blood pressure medication.
Measuring blood pressure at home can provide peace of mind, which many study participants described. But measuring your blood pressure too often could cause unnecessary stress, potentially resulting in hypertension readings.
Instead, it's best to agree along with your doctor how often it's best to measure your blood pressure and follow the advisable steps every time to make sure your readings are as accurate as possible. And useful.
Provided by the writer.
Support for blood pressure measurement
We found that only a few people received any education or guidance from a health care skilled on the right way to measure their blood pressure at home.
Instead, many study participants searched for information online to assist them learn what their blood pressure numbers meant and what changes they may make to lower their blood pressure. They were less focused on learning the right way to measure accurately.
So we've worked with individuals who measure and manage their blood pressure at home. Simple guide To provide help to select a blood pressure device, measure your blood pressure accurately, understand your blood pressure readings and take motion to regulate your blood pressure.