High blood pressure or hypertension as it is referred to in medicine can be detrimental to your health in a number of ways. Your heart, kidneys, and brain can all suffer damage over time, among other important organs. Hence, it is crucial to monitor your blood pressure and take action to manage it before it leads to complications.
What is most important is to keep track of your numbers. There are certain factors that can cause blood pressure to temporarily rise such as,
Certain prescribed medications.
When taking your blood pressure, try to keep as many of these things at bay as you can. Additionally, make an effort to take your blood pressure at roughly the same time each day.
How to check my blood pressure at home?
If you are using a manual or digital blood pressure monitor then follow the instructions on the booklet carefully. The following are the steps in brief as to how to check your blood pressure,
- Find your pulse.
- Place the cuff on your arm by sliding it on.
- Inflate and deflate the cuff
- Record your blood pressure.
Natural Remedies to Reduce Blood Pressure
Some of the natural remedies you should definitely try out are:
Reducing the salt intake
Eating a healthy diet – a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.
Limit alcohol consumption
Try to reduce stress as much as possible and get enough sleep.
Checking Blood Pressure on Phone
It is possible but not certain. Therefore, it is not encouraged. Using a phone to take your blood pressure is ineffective. Numerous apps for iOS and Android claim to use cutting-edge technologies to measure your blood pressure.
Regarding their effectiveness or legitimacy, none of these apps have any support from scientists and health professionals. As a result, it is preferable to use a sphygmomanometer, a piece of conventional blood pressure equipment, to measure blood pressure precisely.
The apps on your phone may be used to keep a record of blood pressure readings, send the readings to your doctor’s phone, keep track of your food intake, and set a reminder to stay active as well.
Seek Medical Assistance
When and how often you should measure your blood pressure should be according to your doctor’s guidelines. Note the day, hour, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure. The two terms are used to describe blood pressure: the first number, known as systolic blood pressure, represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, known as diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats. While both figures are important; the top figure, commonly known as systolic pressure, is the main concern of physicians.
Additionally, you should note any unique conditions, such as a recent meal, workout, or stressful experience.
To summarize, medication can only do so much to manage it but it is up to you to combat this illness and be in control of it as well. Your doctor should be made aware of how your blood pressure has been responding to treatments as well as lifestyle changes. Whilst home monitoring methods are useful, it is always important to seek medical assistance.