BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING.

Six ways to get accurate numbers and steer your health in the right direction.

What is Pulse pressure?
Pulse pressure (PP) is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. For example; if your blood pressure is 138/80, your pulse pressure would be 58 (i.e. 138-80=58).
High pulse pressure, which is thought to be an indicator of stiffening arteries, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in older adults.

So what’s high?
In a recent study, men with a pulse pressure of 57 or more had a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to those with a pulse pressure of 38 or less.

Measure for Measure.
No matter what your blood pressure is, it’s important to get accurate measurements in order to help guide your health care and lifestyle decisions.
So next time you have your blood pressure measured-whether it’s done by your doctor or done by yourself at home-follow these six steps for reliable readings:

- Use the correct cuff size and wear short sleeves. A cuff that is too small or too big can lead to inaccurate readings. If you are buying a home monitor, ask your doctor to measure your arm so you know what cuff size to look for. Also, the cuff needs to fit snugly around your bare upper arm. So short sleeves are your best bet. Rolled up long sleeves may constrict your arm, which could alter your blood pressure.

- Avoid caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol for at least 30minutes before you measure. They can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure.

- Use the restroom. A full bladder can affect the accuracy of your reading.

- Sit and rest quietly for a few minutes. It’s best to sit in some place quiet, where you feel relaxed. This may not be possible when you are at the doctor’s office but if you are at home its worth taking time to get it right. And during your reading try not to talk or more about.

- Be FABulous; to get an accurate blood pressure measurement, it’s important that your body is in the right position. Think FAB (Feet, Arm and Back) to help you remember your pose. You should have your feet flat on the floor, your arm supported and resting at heart level and your back supported against a backrest or wall.

- One arm, two readings. Blood pressure can differ between arms, so always use the same arm to get your measurements. And because blood pressure changes easily and often, its best to take two or three readings a few minutes apart and then work out the average.

Blood pressure fluctuates a lot over a 24-hour period and tends to be high in the morning and low in the evening. So, if you are taking your blood pressure at home, try to take your measurements at about the same time each day. That way, when you review your readings, you will be comparing like with like.