Blood Pressure

Taking your blood pressure at home can helpl your doctor get a more accurate picture of your true blood pressure over time Many people have "white coat hypertension." Their blood pressure foes up in the doctor's office because of nervousness. If you take your blood pressure at home:

Have your doctor check your monitor for accuracy and show you how to properly use it.
Real and follow all instructions included with the monitor, such as where to place the cuff and where to put your are while taking the reading.
Take your blood pressure at certain times of the day for consistency.
Show your log of daily blood pressure readings to your doctor.
Make certain it fits. Thin adults and Children may need a smaller cuff. Adults with large arms may need a bigger cuff.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80. A reading above 140/90 is high blood pressure and needs treatment. Getting regular exercise; losing even a small amount of weight; eating less salt, fat, and cholesterol; limiting alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men; and reducing stress may help lower blood pressure. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary. Bananas and other foods high inpotassium but low in sodium can help you control blood pressure. Most fruits and vegetables contain potassium. Exceptionally good sources are cantaloupe, *grapefruit juice, honeydew melon, nectarines, prunes and prune juice, raisins, beans, unsalted tomato juice, and baked or boiled otatoes with the skins. Avocados are another excellent source, but they are high in fat and calories. . (*Grapefruit juice can interffere with some prescription medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if this could be a problem.) more.....