Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure for a prolonged period can affect your inner organs, including your heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. The Harvard Medical Institute states that blood pressure taken at a doctor’s office is not always accurate, due to built-up tension due to visiting a physician. You should check your own blood pressure regularly at home. Many malls and grocery stores have manual blood pressure monitors, complete with a cuff and stethoscope. These are aneroid meters, and are very accurate. The disadvantage of these monitors is that they require two people to use one. The person having their blood pressure checked and the person watching the meter. When purchasing your own monitor, be sure to measure your wrist and arm to get a monitor that fits correctly. There are also automatic monitors available. Many stores, such as Wal-Mart and Walgreens, have monitors you can use without purchasing. These monitors require that you remain perfectly still. A slight flinch could throw off the meter and give an inaccurate reading; so when using these, make sure not to move at all. These are convenient for the hearing impaired because they do not require the user listen for a heartbeat; it does it for you. Just be sure, when buying a monitor like this, that you are able to see the buttons and can read them clearly. Check your blood pressure at the same time each day, and be sure to perform the test in a quiet place when you are relaxed with an empty bladder. Be sure to have loose clothing on; if you have sleeves on, roll them up. Record your blood pressure each time you take it yourself; your doctor will want to see it. Research available models before purchasing a monitor, to choose the most appropriate one.