Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

The commonly accepted guideline for determining hypertension used to be 120/80. Now, the American Heart Association says studies indicate that anything over 115/75 means that your risk of "cardiovascular complications" is increased.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the "silent killer" because so many people suffer from high blood pressure without even realizing it. Many never have symptoms and do not find out that their pressure is high until they are already at risk of serious health problems.

If you have bouts of lightheadedness or have frequent headaches or nosebleeds, you may have high blood pressure. Consult your physician and have your pressure checked right away. Hypertension can be dangerous, so the sooner you are aware of it, the more you can do to lower your pressure.

If you do suffer from hypertension, you should begin self-monitoring at home. There are different types of devices available to help you keep track of your pressure between doctor's visits.

Once you decide to purchase an at home blood pressure monitoring device, you will need to take it to your doctor's office and have it tested for accuracy. It is also a good idea to ask your healthcare provider to teach you how to use it properly, and it is helpful to ask your provider which type of monitor he or she prefers, and why.

Some prefer a digital blood pressure monitor because this design offers the ability to inflate the cuff automatically, and because this type gives a digital reading, which is much easier for most people to read.

If your blood pressure is high, you may need to develop a routine of measuring your blood pressure at certain times throughout the day as you go about your normal activities. These measurements should be given to your doctor to analyze, and certain at home monitoring devices even offer a paper printout of blood pressure measurements.