TIPS ON TAKING BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
1.It is necessary to know that arterial blood pressure is subjected to
sharp fluctuations. The level of the arterial blood pressure depends on
many factors. Generally arterial blood pressure is lower in summer and
higher in winter. Arterial blood pressure changes with atmospheric
pressure and is affected considerably by many factors, e.g. physical
loads, emotional excitability, stress, meals, etc. Medicines, Drinking,
smoking affect greatly the level of an individual’s blood pressure. When
blood pressure is measured in hospital, the value is always higher than
that at home. The reason is the intensity in such cases is especially
serious in the group of patients, which is known as ‘white coat effect’
medically. Blood pressure will raise in low temperature, so it is better to
take blood pressure measurement in room temperature(approximately
20℃), If this device was stored in low temperature ,it is necessary to
leave it in room temperature for at least 1 hour, otherwise the measure-
ment can be inaccurate. Blood pressure does vary with age and
individuals, and it is recommended to write down the readings from
blood pressure records daily, then you can check with your doctor to
find out what is a “normal blood pressure measurement” for you.
2.Take measurement under doctor’s instruction for patients with cardiovasular
diseases.
Under no circumstances should you alter the dosages of any drugs prescribed
by your doctor!
3.Accurate measurement of blood pressure may be difficult in arrhythmia,
premature beat, atrial fibrillation atreriosclerosis hypoperfusion diabetes
pregnancy nephropathy , weak pulse, or in patients with obvious fluctuation of
heart contraction rhythm. Please consult a qualified physician to interpret your
blood pressure readings.
The illustration is from British Hypertension Society.
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