Entry bubble Know Your Blood Pressure

By: Marybeth | December 04, 2007 | Category: Health

Photo of blood pressure monitorAs part of a school science fair, I remember setting up a station in the cafeteria where teachers and parents could get a blood pressure (BP) check. Having an 11-year-old kid administer this probably seemed a little funny, but the numbers on the BP monitor were sometimes sobering. My uncle was among those who learned of his hypertension that day. He promptly followed up with his doctor and began taking medication to get it under control.

High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because—with no warning—it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems. Do you know the basic facts about high blood pressure? See how you score on this quiz.

There are several risk factors for hypertension, but everyone should check their BP from time to time. You might consider getting a home monitor if you have hypertension (140/90 or higher), prehypertension (120-139/80-89), white coat hypertension, or any of the risk factors. If you do buy a home monitor, consider the following:

  • Cuff size: The standard cuff usually fits an adult arm circumference of 9-13 inches. If the cuff is too large or too small, you won’t be able to get an accurate reading, so find a model that works for you.
  • Digital versus manual: Digital monitors automatically inflate and display your BP and heart rate. Manual models require some know-how involving a stethoscope and dial gauge. This video shows you how to use both types.
  • Accuracy check: Take your home monitor into your doctor’s office and check its accuracy against the office model.

I have some family history of hypertension, so I check my BP regularly, or often enough to know that my genes haven't caught up with me—yet.

Starting next week, the Tuesday posts will be written by Joanne, a web content manager who has worked on USA.gov since its launch in 2000. Some of my favorite nicknames for Joanne include "link girl" and "taxonomy queen." I look forward to reading her posts and would like to thank you for reading my entries over the past couple of months.

| Comments [4] | envelope Email This Entry | Tags: blood   health   hypertension   pressure