CGH Medical Center issued the following announcement on Oct. 3.
If you have high blood pressure, checking it yourself at home—along with having it measured at your doctor's office—is one of the key steps you can take to get your vital numbers under control. That's according to new research presented at the American Heart Association's (AHA) Joint Hypertension 2018 Scientific Sessions.
For the study, researchers reviewed treatment plans for 2,550 adults with high blood pressure. Their blood pressure numbers were not well controlled when the study began. As part of their treatment plan, they received free blood pressure monitors along with instructions and reminders.
Among the findings:
By the third visit to their doctor, nearly 67 percent of the people had their blood pressure under control. Their blood pressure control declined somewhat by their sixth visit.
But by study's end, 72 percent of people had achieved blood pressure control per the latest AHA/American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines. That's despite the fact that new guidelines are more stringent than before.
What's up with blood pressure?
A blood pressure reading is given as two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom one). Under the new guidelines:
Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mm HG systolic and less than 80 diastolic.
Elevated blood pressure is 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic.
High blood pressure starts when the systolic number is 130 or higher or the diastolic number is 80 or higher.
Both the AHA and the ACC recommend home blood pressure monitoring. It helps paint an accurate picture of blood pressure control.
For instance, some people can have normal blood pressure at a doctor's office but not at home. This is called masked hypertension. And it can make it look like their blood pressure is fine when it actually isn't. Other people may have elevated blood pressure readings at a doctor's office but not at home.
Talk to your doctor
High blood pressure is serious. It's a major cause of heart disease and stroke. But it usually has no symptoms you'd feel. So measuring it regularly is important. It's the only way to know if you have high blood pressure to begin with and if your treatment is working. For example, doctors can use information gleaned from home monitoring to adjust a person's blood pressure medicines.
If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor if you should track your numbers in between visits. Also, different types of blood pressure monitors are sold in stores. So find out which type is right for you, and get your doctor's advice on how to use it.
Accuracy counts
Learn more about blood pressure checks and how you can help ensure an accurate reading.
Original source can be found here.
Source: CGH Medical Center
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