High blood pressure is largely silent, so it’s up to the individual to monitor it. That can be done in part by your doctor. However, there are a number of factors that could make these readings skewed. White Coat Syndrome is one; in some people just going to the doctor causes enough stress to cause blood pressure to rise.
Your blood pressure is going to be different at different times of day. Just moving around in your normal patterns raises and lowers it. When you add stress, caffeine and a poor diet, the changes can be even more marked.
Your doctor will probably tell you the things you need to do to keep your blood pressure down. Watch the salt and fat to keep both BP and cholesterol down. Not doing so can result in heart disease and strokes.
There are two ways you can check your blood pressure on your own. One of them is a bit unrealistic for taking it several times over the day, but could give you a few readings a week. Many supermarkets and some drugstores have automatic self blood pressure machines, which will give both a BP reading and your pulse rate.
You can also invest in a personal blood pressure kit. The easiest are digital with large print, but the older models may also be available. These have a dial gauge and stethoscope. That lets you hear heart beats, and you take note of the number it starts and the number it stops.
These figures show you the pressure in your veins while the heart is working (the beat) and when it’s at rest, between beats. A normal reading is around 120/80, and it’s considered high at 140/80.
It’s best to take your blood pressure several times a day, several hours apart. Taking it too close together could give a false reading, so try to keep at least two hours between readings. Do this for a week before you visit the doctor. You may also want to keep a journal recording what you’ve eaten, had to drink or experienced. This will help your doctor find the best treatment for you.
I've studied herbal remedies since 1981 and have been a Master Herbalist since 2004. I've written five eBooks on various herbs and the conditions they can help, including one on gout.
Visit this link for more information on healing home remedies and home remedies for it. There are articles and posts on a variety of topics including stress, headaches, back pain and cholesterol.
While there, you can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. This discusses the uses, side effects, precautions and side effects of these popular products.
If you wish to contact me, you can e-mail: mary@healing-home-remedies.com.
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