High blood pressure is one of the most dangerous health conditions in Nigeria and across the world. It is often called the silent killer because most people have no idea their blood pressure is high until they suffer a stroke or heart attack. The good news is that checking your blood pressure at home regularly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your heart health. In this post we will show you exactly how to do it the right way.
Why Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Matters
Many Nigerians only check their blood pressure when they visit a hospital or pharmacy which could be weeks or months apart. The problem with this is that blood pressure can change significantly from day to day and even from hour to hour depending on stress, diet, physical activity, and other factors. Monitoring your blood pressure at home every day gives you a much more accurate picture of your heart health and allows you to catch any dangerous changes early before they become a serious problem.
What You Need
All you need is an automatic upper arm blood pressure monitor like the one available at VitalCorex Store. These devices are simple to use, highly accurate, and give you your systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and pulse rate in just a few seconds.
Step by Step Guide to Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home
Step 1 — Rest for at least 5 minutes before taking your reading. Do not check your blood pressure immediately after exercise, eating, drinking coffee, or smoking as these activities can temporarily raise your reading and give you an inaccurate result.
Step 2 — Sit down in a comfortable chair with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs as this can affect your reading.
Step 3 — Rest your arm on a flat surface such as a table with your palm facing upward. Make sure your arm is at the same height as your heart.
Step 4 — Wrap the cuff around your upper arm about 2 centimeters above your elbow. Make sure the cuff is snug but not too tight. You should be able to slide two fingers underneath it.
Step 5 — Press the start button and sit still and quiet while the machine takes your reading. Do not talk or move during the reading as this can affect the result.
Step 6 — Note down your reading in a journal or notebook. Record the date, time, and both numbers — the top number which is your systolic pressure and the bottom number which is your diastolic pressure.
Step 7 — Take your reading twice in the morning and twice in the evening for the most accurate results. Use the average of your readings when discussing with your doctor.
Understanding Your Numbers
A normal blood pressure reading is below 120 over 80. A reading between 120 over 80 and 139 over 89 is considered elevated or pre-hypertension. A reading of 140 over 90 or above is considered high blood pressure and you should consult your doctor immediately.
Tips for Accurate Readings
Always take your reading at the same time every day. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before measuring. Empty your bladder before taking your reading as a full bladder can raise blood pressure. Take multiple readings and use the average.
Get Your VitalCorex Blood Pressure Monitor Today
The VitalCorex Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor is easy to use, clinically accurate, and perfect for daily home monitoring. It has a large clear display, automatic inflation, and can store multiple readings for tracking over time. Order yours today and take control of your heart health from the comfort of your home.