How Often Should You Check Blood Pressure At Home: High blood pressure is one of today’s most serious but preventable health problems. This is the reason why it is considered a major cause of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and even dementia. That’s why experts say again and again that every person must know his BP number. According to the American Heart Association, generally 120/80 mmHg is considered normal blood pressure, but surprisingly, almost half of the adults have BP higher than this and they are not even aware of it. For this reason, regular blood pressure checking at home has become an important part of health care.

How often should blood pressure be checked?

Daniel W. Jones, MD of the American Heart Association says that people who already have high blood pressure problems should measure their blood pressure at least two to three times a week. Along with this, it is also important to record these readings in writing or in the mobile. If the readings are repeatedly coming above 130/80 mmHg, then the doctor should be contacted. In some special situations, the doctor may also advise to check BP daily.

Why is BP measured at home more reliable?

Doctors say that blood pressure taken at home is often more accurate. Many people’s BP increases due to nervousness in the hospital or clinic, which is called the “white coat effect”. Readings taken in a quiet environment at home better reflect the actual condition of the body.

Choosing the right machine is important

Not every blood pressure machine is reliable. Therefore, experts advise to use only recognized and tested machines. After purchasing a new machine, it is sometimes good to take it to a doctor and get it compared with the office machine, so that there is no difference in the readings.

When to go to the doctor immediately?

If blood pressure suddenly reaches 180/120 mmHg or more, it is considered a medical emergency. In such a situation, if symptoms like chest pain, difficulty in breathing, dizziness or nervousness are seen, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Even small changes are important

If BP goes slightly above or below normal for a day or two, keep measuring daily for a few days and then consult a doctor. If changes are caught in time, serious problems can be avoided.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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Is It Bad To Check Blood Pressure Frequently: Many people keep checking their blood pressure frequently, but the question is how often is it okay to check and when can this habit be harmful. The same question recently appeared on Quora: Is it wrong to check blood pressure frequently? Dr. Amit Saraf, Director of Internal Medicine at Jubiter Hospital, Thane, spoke to The Indian Express regarding this. He told that regularly measuring blood pressure is not harmful in itself, but how and for what reason it is being done is more important. For some people, frequent measurements provide comfort and help manage the disease, while for others the habit increases anxiety, which can lead to temporarily higher readings.

When is it not beneficial?

According to the doctor, the problem starts when people start measuring blood pressure several times a day without consulting the doctor. It is not beneficial to immediately remove the machine in every stressful situation, after every meal or in case of mild symptoms. Doing this can cause measurement anxiety, that is, the stress regarding the reading increases so much that blood pressure appears to increase temporarily. It is not necessary that the actual blood pressure of the person is high, sometimes it is just the effect of mental stress.

Home blood pressure monitoring is considered more useful for people who already have high blood pressure, who are taking blood pressure medicines, especially if the dose of the medicine has recently changed or who have diabetes, kidney disease or heart problems. At the same time, for people who do not have high blood pressure and who are generally healthy, it is not necessary to check blood pressure daily.

When should blood pressure be measured?

If we talk about the correct frequency of testing, then doctors say that for most high blood pressure patients, it is sufficient to measure blood pressure once in the morning and evening for a few days, that too as per the doctor’s advice. In the long run, taking readings a few times a week or before seeing a doctor is considered sufficient. Apart from this, if you experience persistent headache, dizziness, heaviness in the chest, unusual tiredness or rapid heartbeat, then it may be helpful to check your blood pressure. This makes it easier for the doctor to understand how the readings relate to the patient’s current condition.

What things should be kept in mind?

It is very important to maintain accuracy while measuring blood pressure at home. One should sit quietly for at least five minutes before measuring. It is better to avoid caffeine, smoking or exercise half an hour before the test. The hand should be supported and kept at the level of the heart and a reliable digital blood pressure machine should be used. For better results, it is better to take two readings and note their average. Doctors say that intelligent blood pressure monitoring helps doctors take right decisions, but if this habit becomes excessive and without any reason, then it only increases confusion and stress. The aim should be to remain alert, not to panic.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator