Monitoring blood pressure can be easily done at home
By DR. KOMOROFF Universal Uclick on Sep 18, 2013, at 2:21 AM Updated on 9/18/13 at 3:33 AM
Health & Fitness
Dear Doctor K: I have hypertension. Should I be monitoring my blood pressure at home?
Dear Doctor K: After my last mammogram, the doctor told me I have dense breasts. Does this increase my risk of cancer?
Dear Doctor K: I have hypertension. Should I be monitoring my blood pressure at home?
Dear Reader: You bet. It's easy and inexpensive, and it provides the information you need to protect your health.
You always have a blood pressure, every minute of the night and day, and it can change a lot from one moment to the next. What matters most to your health is where your blood pressure is on average. The reading in the doctor's office may not be representative. Home blood pressure machines make it easy to get a much better estimate of what your average blood pressure really is.
The latest evidence for the benefits of home blood pressure monitoring comes from researchers who studied 450 people with hypertension. About half were given home blood pressure monitors that electronically sent readings to a secure website. The volunteers were asked to send six readings each week. Pharmacists analyzed that information and adjusted medications if needed or offered advice on lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure. The other volunteers received usual care from their primary care providers.
At every step of the way, people in the home-monitoring group had more success getting their blood pressure under control. The benefits persisted six months after the program had ended.
You can buy a good monitor for under $100. Look for:
- an automatic monitor that doesn't require a stethoscope;
- a monitor that takes the blood pressure reading using a cuff that fits around the upper arm;
- a read-out large enough for you to see the numbers;
- a seal of approval from a trusted organization.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for help in calibrating your monitor and learning how to use it. (On
tulsaworld.com/DrK, I've posted a video showing the correct way to use a home blood pressure monitor.)
Remember that home monitoring is not a substitute for regular physician checkups.
Write Dr. K at
www.AskDoctorK.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106
Health & Fitness
Dear Doctor K: I have hypertension. Should I be monitoring my blood pressure at home?
Dear Doctor K: After my last mammogram, the doctor told me I have dense breasts. Does this increase my risk of cancer?
