Blood Pressure Medications That Cause Ankle Swelling

Guidelines & Updates BP Ranges BP Chart What Affects BP? Measurements Normal BP Elevated BP (Prehypertension) Stage 1 Hypertension Stage 2 Hypertension Hypertensive Crisis Causes Symptoms & Risks Treatments Hypotension Taking Your BP BP Infographic

We all know that understanding blood pressure & maintaining healthy readings are important for our overall health and longevity. After all, it's one of the most talked about indicators of health, particularly when it comes to your heart.

But what exactly is blood pressure? Do you know what your blood pressure numbers mean? Compare your measurements to the charts below and read about understanding blood pressure readings.

Nov. 2017 American Heart Association New Blood Pressure Chart Guidelines and Updates:

The American Heart Association recently released a new set of stricter guidelines. Changing the numbers means that more Americans will now meet the guidelines for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Here are some of the changes:

Greater Emphasis on Measurements

The AHA is putting more pressure on Americans to stay on top of their readings. They recommend that routine measurements are taken on a regular basis at home, and not just at the doctor's office..

Guidelines Remove "Prehypertension"

By eliminating the Prehypertension category, more Americans now fall into the range of high blood pressure. The goal behind these changes is to initiate prevention, evaluation, and treatment of higher numbers far sooner than in the past.

New "Elevated" Blood Pressure

Measurements ranging from 120-129 mm Hg (systolic) and less than 80 mm Hg (diastolic)

Hypertension Stage 1

Previously defined as greater than 140 to 153 mm Hg (systolic) over 90 to 96 mm Hg (diastolic)

New definition = 130 to 139 mm Hg (systolic) over 80 to 89 mm Hg (diastolic)

Hypertension Stage 2

Previously defined as greater than 160 mm Hg (systolic) over 100 mm Hg (diastolic)

New definition = 140/90 mm Hg or greater

General Blood Pressure Ranges

The chart below provides a general overview of blood pressure ranges updated to match the new American Heart Association guidelines. Take your blood pressure and identify your systolic & diastolic readings to compare ranges on the chart, OR enter your results in the blood pressure calculator to learn more about causes, symptoms, and treatment for your blood pressure readings

Keep in mind that it is possible for your readings to be affected by other factors like age, medication, & sometimes even gender. Check out the chart below for a breakdown of blood pressure ranges by age.

Remember, your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers - systolic and diastolic - diagnosing high or low blood pressure only requires one of these numbers to be outside of the healthy range .

Blood Pressure Chart by Category:

The categories above are based off the official American Heart Association blood pressure guidelines, which were recently updated in November of 2017 ( Chart Reference)

*For proper blood pressure diagnosis, talk to your primary care physician or cardiologist

Looking to track your blood pressure? Understand your readings and learn ways you can improve your blood pressure with our FREE PDF. Download it Now!

Blood Pressure Calculator: Understanding your Blood Pressure Numbers

Please remember that for an official blood pressure diagnosis and treatment regimen, you must consult your primary physician or medical care professional who will do a thorough assessment to determine the proper diagnosis.

Enter both Systolic & Diastolic readings (in mm Hg) below. Results will display the corresponding blood pressure category & information regarding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for your range of blood pressure.

Normal Blood Pressure Chart by Age

How Age Affects Blood Pressure

For infants, toddlers, and pre-adolescent aged children, doctors follow separate guidelines and standards to define high blood pressure. Average readings tend to be lower at a younger age and increase as you grow older . During late adolescence (around 17-19 yrs old) doctors typically begin to follow the standard adult guidelines for high blood pressure.

As you age, your risk of developing high blood pressure increases.

Click Here for Pediatric Blood Pressure Chart by Age Reference

Charted Blood Pressure Ranges

The following table provides a rough guide to understanding blood pressure as you age. Start by taking your blood pressure to find your systolic (top number) & diastolic (bottom number) pressure. Then, locate your age range in the right-hand column to see where your readings fall.

Age	Hypotension (low blood pressure)		Normal BP		Elevated		Hypertension Stage 1		Hypertension Stage 2
	S	D	S	D	S	D	S	D	S	D
17-19	< 90	< 60	<120	< 80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+
20-24	< 90	< 60	<120	< 80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+
25-29	< 90	< 60	<120	< 80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+
30-34	< 90	< 60	<120	< 80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+
35-39	< 90	< 60	<120	< 80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+
40-44	< 90	< 60	<120	< 80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+
45-49	< 90	< 60	<120	< 80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+
50-54	< 90	< 60	<120	< 80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+
55-59	< 90	< 60	<120	< 80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+
60+	< 90	< 60	120	<80	120-129	<80	130-139	80-89	140+	90+

S = Systolic Pressure
D = Diastolic Pressure

Blood pressure charts aren't commonly broken down by age, however, pediatric charts are often separated into ranges for infants, toddlers, and pre-adolescents. Pediatric standards for high and low blood pressure differ from those used for adults. Sometimes gender can influence readings, but measurements are still compared on the same scale. ( Chart reference)

Click here to download your FREE + PRINTABLE Blood Pressure PDF & make understanding your readings easy. Download it Now!

Locate your readings on the chart above & Click below to learn more about your blood pressure:

• Normal Blood Pressure
• Elevated
• Stage 1 Hypertension
• Stage 2 Hypertension
• Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
• Hyperextensive Crisis

*Remember to always consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan when it comes to your blood pressure readings.

What Affects Blood Pressure?

Personal characteristics which play a role in blood pressure readings are:

Gender and Blood Pressure

According to the National Institute on Aging, males are more likely to have high blood pressure before age 55, while normal blood pressure for women tends to rise after menopause. Women are less likely than men to experience complications associated with high blood pressure.

However, regardless of differences in the prevalence and complications of high blood pressure between the sexes, treatment and diagnosis are the same for both men and women.

Normal Blood Pressure By Age

As you age, your body goes through many changes that can put you at risk for other conditions. If you're over 50, having a higher than usual systolic pressure might increase your risk of developing heart disease. Systolic blood pressure tends to increase steadily over time due to stiff arteries, a build-up of plaque, and a higher rate of cardiac and vascular disease. This means older adults need to be even more vigilant about monitoring their blood pressure and practicing heart-healthy self-care.

Height and Blood Pressure

Height isn't a risk factor but taller people tend to have higher blood pressure because this offsets gravity and other factors to ensure the brain - the highest organ - gets enough blood flow and oxygen. However, the effect of height is minor, so it's not taken into account in blood pressure range guidelines.

Genetics

Traits can be passed from one generation to the next. This is known as heredity. There is a genetic role in high blood pressure, heart disease, and other heart conditions. However, researchers believe that it may be partly due to sharing common environments and other behaviors that can increase your risk.

Normal Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

While a rising heart rate will increase blood flow through the body, it does not necessarily correspond with an increase in the pressure of that blood flow. This is because blood vessels can increase in size (dilate) to facilitate larger quantities of blood. Even if your heart rate were to double, your normal blood pressure & high pulse may only slightly increase blood pressure.

Understanding Blood Pressure Measurements

Understanding blood pressure numbers is a crucial part of overall well-being. When your heart beats, it moves blood through your body to deliver oxygen and other nutrients. The blood pushes on the walls of the blood vessels as it travels through the body. The force of the blood pressing against the vessel walls is known as blood pressure.

Your blood pressure readings consist of two numbers:

Systolic Blood Pressure

Your systolic blood pressure measures the pressure on the walls of the vessel as your heart is contracting or beating. It is recorded as the top number in your blood pressure reading.

Diastolic Pressure

Your diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the vessels while the heart is relaxed, in between heartbeats. It is recorded as the bottom number in your blood pressure reading.

Your blood pressure is reported by placing the systolic number over the diastolic number. For example, your blood pressure might be reported as 120/80. To be diagnosed with high blood pressure, only one of these numbers must be outside of the normal range. But, remember that one high reading doesn't mean there's a problem. High blood pressure is a condition that can only be diagnosed by your doctor.

Normal Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure can range from 110 to 134 (systolic) over 75 to 87 (diastolic), depending on your age.

Recent updates by the American Heart Association now recognizes normal blood pressure as readings of 90/60 mm Hg or less

If your blood pressure reading is defined as 'normal,' that means you're within the healthy range - which is great news for your arteries, heart, brain, and kidneys!

How to Maintain Normal Blood Pressure Level

Here are some tips to help keep your blood pressure readings within the normal and healthy range:

• Eat a Balanced Diet

  A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean protein sources like fish and beans goes a long way toward maintaining normal blood pressure and heart health.

  Be sure to avoid processed foods, trans fats, and red meat, and cut down on your intake of sugar and saturated fat.

• Reduce Salt Intake

  A high salt intake throws off the balance of sodium and potassium in the body, increasing fluid retention, and putting excess strain on the kidneys and the blood vessels that serve them. Potassium-rich foods such as potatoes, bananas, avocados, sweet potatos, and dark leafy greens will help lessen the effects of sodium.

  Season your food with herbs and spices instead of salt - which is known to raise blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg of sodium a day (a little over half a teaspoon of salt). Bear in mind that over 75% of our sodium intake comes from the salt already added to processed foods and restaurant meals, and not from the salt shaker.

• Exercise Regularly or Stay Active

  Make sure to engage in regular activities to keep blood pressure within the normal range. Exercise causes the body to release nitric acid, which helps blood vessels to dilate, reducing blood pressure.

  Regular activity also helps with weight loss, stress reduction, and overall heart health.

  
  Resistances bands are simple way to add routine exercise into your daily life & maintain normal readings or lower high blood pressure. ( Find the Best Resistance Band Sets Here)

• Maintain a Healthy Weight

  Staying within a healthy weight range for your height is important to keep blood pressure under control. Excess pounds are a risk factor for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, two conditions associated with high blood pressure.

• Stay Calm

  Control stress levels. Stress causes an increase in blood pressure, so staying cool and calm can help you maintain your healthy blood pressure readings. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are proven stress-busters.

• Reduce Alcohol Intake

  Too much alcohol increases blood pressure and contributes to weight gain. According to the, Mayo Clinic, women of any age and men over 65 should enjoy no more than one drink a day, and men under 65 should have no more than two drinks daily.

• Quit Smoking

  Smoking increases blood pressure and heart rate and raises the risk of heart attack or stroke. Nicotine also leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which can increase your blood pressure readings.

Elevated Blood Pressure (previously labeled Prehypertension)

Recently added by the AHA, Elevated blood pressure is the new "Prehypertension" (so to say)

This range of blood pressure was previously defined as slightly elevated blood pressure that may lead to hypertension if left untreated. Measurements ranged from 130 to 146 (systolic) over 85 to 91 (diastolic), depending on age. New standards now classify Elevated Blood Pressure as:

Measurements ranging from 120-129 mm Hg (systolic) and less than 80 mm Hg (diastolic)

Causes of elevated blood pressure are the same as the causes of hypertension, and the treatment options are similar.

At this stage, there may be no noticeable hypertension symptoms, but damage to the body may still be occurring, and your risk of heart attack and stroke is increased.

Click below to learn more about what causes elevated blood pressure, the symptoms & the best treatment methods

• Causes
• Symptoms and Risks
• Treatments

Stage 1 Hypertension

Readings in this category range from 130 to 139 mm Hg (systolic) over 80 to 89 mm Hg (diastolic), depending on age.

Recent updates by the American Heart Association now recognizes stage 1 hypertension as readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

Stage 1 hypertension, which can be caused by everything from poor diet to stress, is considered to be mild to moderate high blood pressure.

Many people with stage 1 hypertension don't experience any noticeable symptoms . However, your doctor may decide that you need treatment, even without symptoms. It's vital that you follow up with your primary care doctor for any blood pressure concerns.

If not addressed, stage 1 hypertension will increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health issues. It may also progress to stage 2 hypertension - a more severe type of high blood pressure.

Click below to learn more about what causes stage 1 hypertension, the symptoms & the best treatment methods

• Causes
• Symptoms and Risks
• Treatments

Stage 2 Hypertension

Blood pressure readings higher than 1 40/90 mm Hgindicate stage 2 hypertension, which is considered severe high blood pressure. This is a serious condition and requires immediate treatment - which includes eliminating the root causes of the condition.

Recent updates by the American Heart Association now recognizes stage 1 hypertension as readings of 140 /9 0 mm Hg or higher

Stage 2 hypertension is severe high blood pressure.

At this stage, you may be noticing some symptoms of hypertension and your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health issues greatly increase.

Click below to learn more about what causes stage 2 hypertension, the symptoms & the best treatment methods

• Causes
• Symptoms and Risks
• Treatments

Hypertensive Crisis

The term Hypertensive Crisis encompasses both Hypertensive Urgency and Hypertensive Emergency. These conditions are caused by untreated hypertension and require immediate attention.

Hypertensive Urgency

If your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or higher, wait about five minutes and retake your blood pressure. If you have two readings that are this high, but you aren't having any other concerning symptoms such as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, change in vision, numbness/weakness, or difficulty speaking - you are experiencing hypertensive urgency.

Contact your physician immediately to discuss next steps. This type of blood pressure problem can usually be handled by adjusting your medications, but it is crucial that you speak to your doctor.

Hypertensive Emergency

If your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or higher and you're experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, back pain, chest pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking - you're having a hypertensive emergency and need to seek emergency medical attention. Do not wait to see if your blood pressure improves. Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. To treat this serious condition, doctors may give you blood pressure medications intravenously (IV),  or other treatments aimed to decrease your risk of long-term effects.

If left untreated, you might begin to experience signs of organ damage that include:

• Body weakness or numbness
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Slurred speech
• Headache
• Seizure
• Changes in vision

Treatment for a Hypertensive Crisis

If you are experiencing a Hypertensive Crisis, never wait for your blood pressure to come back down before seeking medical attention. Treatment options include blood pressure medication administered through IVs and specific therapy treatment for possible organ damage.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

For many people, no one specific factor leads to the development of high blood pressure. It tends to develop gradually over time as a result of age and the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries.

However, some lifestyle factors can speed up the onset of high blood pressure. A few of these factors include a high-sodium diet, too much alcohol, inactivity, and stress.

Health conditions like thyroid disease, kidney disease, and sleep apnea might increase your risk of high blood pressure. Taking medications such as prescription drugs, decongestants, and pain relievers may also be contributing factors.

Hypertension Symptoms and Risks

Risks associated with high blood pressure can become life-threatening if not adequately monitored or addressed ( Image reference).

Most people with high blood pressure, particularly prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension, don't experience any symptoms.

Even at stage 2, hypertension may not cause any noticeable effects. Those who do experience symptoms may notice:

• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath

However, even in the absence of symptoms, the elevated blood pressure is still damaging your blood vessels and heart and increasing the risk of heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and more.

For these reasons, regular check-ups along with at-home blood pressure monitoring are necessary to stop progression or reverse some of the damage done.

Treatments for High Blood Pressure

Whether you have prehypertension, or full-blown hypertension at any stage, the treatments options are the same. However, those with more severe high blood pressure may need to be more aggressive in their approach than those with blood pressure readings which are close to normal. Common treatment regimen include...

At Home Monitoring

A small, portable, at-home blood pressure monitor cuff is a convenient way to stay on top of your readings throughout the day ( Image Reference).

If you have any of the health conditions associated with high blood pressure, including sleep apnea, kidney problems, or thyroid disease, it's esstenial to follow the treatment plan you were prescribed. Invest in an at-home blood pressure monitor to help track your readings. Careful monitoring can:

• Identify abnormal measurements
• Recognize lifestyle habits that increase your blood pressure
• Monitor in-between routine doctor visits
• Keep track of blood pressure while on medication

Healthy Diet

A healthy, balanced, diet helps to keep high blood pressure at bay ( Image Reference).

What you put in your body can have a profound impact on your health. Choose to fill your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and lean protein sources like fish and beans. Make sure to incorporate drinks that lower blood pressure and avoid diuretics.

For lower blood pressure and all-around better health, avoid processed foods, trans fats, and red meat, and cut down on your intake of sugar and saturated fat.

Ditch the Salt

Too much dietary salt disturbs the delicate balance of sodium and potassium in the body. This increases fluid retention and puts excess strain on the kidneys and the blood vessels around the kidneys.

The American Heart Association recommends people consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium a day - which is a little over half a teaspoon of salt. It's not just the salt in the salt shaker you should be concerned with - research shows that over 75% of our sodium intake comes from the salt already added to processed foods and restaurant meals.

Potassium-rich foods such as potatoes, bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens will help lessen the effects of sodium.

Stay Active

Make sure to engage in regular activities to bring your blood pressure back into the normal range.

Exercise causes the body to release nitric acid, which helps blood vessels to dilate, reducing blood pressure. Regular activity also helps with weight loss, stress reduction, and heart health.

Walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, golf (without a cart), and yoga are all fantastic exercises for adults of all ages.

Don't forget that other everyday activities which involve movement - known as incidental physical activities - can contribute to improved fitness levels, at least according to some research. This includes things like moderate intensity gardening, vacuuming, washing the car, or walking around the supermarket.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carrying excess weight can be dangerous to your heart health, as it requires your arteries to work harder.  Set goals and track progress with a simple at home scale ( See Product on Amazon).

If you are overweight, If you're overweight, talk to your doctor about a weight loss regimen. Losing as little as 5 pounds can make a difference!

Being overweight or obese is also a risk factor for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, two conditions associated with high blood pressure.

Stop Stressing

Stress and anxiety may be contributing to your elevated blood pressure results. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga on a regular basis to lower your blood pressure, and even bring it back within the normal range.

Enjoy Alcohol in Moderation (or Not at All!)

While we've all heard the health benefits of a glass of red wine now and then, too much alcohol increases blood pressure, contributes to weight gain, and can cause you to make poor food choices.

For better health, women of any age and men over 65 should enjoy no more than one drink a day, and men under 65 should have no more than two.

Quit Smoking

There are no health benefits to smoking! Nicotine not only increases blood pressure and heart rate, but it also raises the risk of heart attack or stroke, and leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries.

Discuss Medication with a Doctor

When dealing with high blood pressure readings, it's necessary to consult with your doctor to find proper ways to manage and prevent hypertension.

Depending on your age, lifestyle, and blood pressure readings, your doctor may recommend medication as part of a treatment program for hypertension.

It's not clear if medication is beneficial for adults who have prehypertension alone. However, if you have another medical condition along with prehypertension, such as diabetes or kidney disease, your doctor might decide it's best to start treatment as early as possible.

Those with stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension may be prescribed one or more of the following drugs:

• ACE inhibitors
• Aldosterone antagonists
• Alpha blockers
• Alpha-beta blockers
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Beta-blockers
• Renin inhibitors
• Thiazide diuretics
• Vasodilators

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

While all the focus seems to be on high blood pressure, low blood pressure (hypotension) is also a potentially dangerous condition. In severe cases, it can cause shock - a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body isn't receiving adequate blood flow.

A reading of less than 90 (systolic) or 60 (diastolic) can indicate low blood pressure, although this may vary from person to person. As a result, you may not experience any symptoms of hypotension even if your blood pressure readings indicate you have it. In cases like this, a doctor may or may not recommend interventions.

Causes of Hypotension

There are several possible causes of low blood pressure, and you must find the root cause raise your readings back to a normal range.

Possible causes include:

• Anaphylaxis - a severe allergic reaction
• Blood loss
• Dehydration
• Heart problems such as low heart rate, heart attack, or heart failure
• Low blood sugar or diabetes
• Medications such as diuretics, alpha blockers, beta blockers, some antidepressants, erectile dysfunction treatments, and drugs for Parkinson's disease
• Nutrient deficiencies, particularly a lack of Vitamin B12 and folate
• Pregnancy
• Septicemia - a severe infection in the bloodstream
• Thyroid conditions

Low blood pressure can also be encountered when moving quickly to a standing position after sitting or lying down. Hypotension after meals (postprandial hypotension) is common in older adults.

Symptoms and Risks of Hypotension

If you have low blood pressure, you may experience:

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Extreme tiredness
• Fainting
• Inability to concentrate
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea

Severe cases of hypotension can result in shock - a life-threatening condition which requires emergency medical intervention. Shock is characterized by:

• A weak and rapid pulse
• Cold and clammy skin
• Confusion, especially in older adults
• Quick and shallow breathing

Treatments for Hypotension

If your hypotension is just slightly below the healthy range and doesn't cause you any symptoms, it's unlikely you need treatment.

Those who do experience symptoms may wish to:

• Increase Fluid Intake

  Water is a staple in any healthy diet, but maintaining hydration and avoiding diuretics can help to increase low blood pressure ( Image Reference).

  Drinking more water will help to raise blood volume and prevent dehydration. Steer clear of coffee, tea, and alcohol - which are diuretics - and can increase your risk of becoming dehydrated.

• Eat a Balanced Diet with Regular Meals

  A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and lean protein sources like fish and beans is important for blood pressure and heart health. Avoid processed foods, trans fats, and red meat, and cut down on your intake of sugar and saturated fat.

  As blood pressure tends to drop after eating, several smaller, low-carb meals spaced throughout the day may help ease symptoms. It can also be helpful to reduce your intake of high-carbohydrate foods like potatoes, white pasta, and white bread.

• Add More Salt

  People with low blood pressure may actually benefit from a little extra dietary sodium, which can help to raise blood pressure.

  However, it's important to discuss this with your doctor first, because too much salt can cause heart failure, especially in older adults or those with underlying health conditions.

• Invest in Compression Stockings

  These stockings - which are often used to treat varicose veins - help those with hypotension by preventing blood from pooling in the legs.

• Discuss Medication with a Doctor

  Some medications are available to help those with hypotension - a doctor will be able to advise you of your options.

• Slowly Change Body Positions

  Hypotension which causes symptoms from quickly changing body positions can be remedied by slowing down and noticing how you move.

  Be sure to move from a sitting position to a standing one gently. Before getting out of bed in the morning, practice some deep breathing exercises, and slowly move from a horizontal position to a sitting one, before gently standing upright.

  If you notice symptoms while standing by crossing your legs and squeezing your thighs.

Good Practices for Taking Your Blood Pressure

While monitoring your blood pressure at home is a great way to keep your health on track, it's crucial that you use the device properly. For accurate readings, follow these good practice guidelines:

Check Device Accuracy

Next time you have a doctor's appointment, bring along your home monitor and have your doctor compare readings between your device and theirs. You should re-test for accuracy in this manner if you drop or damage the device.

Ensure User Proficiency

To confirm that you are using your device properly, ask your doctor to watch you take a reading. For the greatest accuracy, take two or three readings each time, leaving two minutes between results.

Cuff Placement and Size

When taking your blood pressure, it's imperative that the cuff is put on correctly before starting the measurment. Be sure to refer to your device's manual for specifications and instructions on proper placement. Also, ensure that the cuff is appropriately sized for your arm. Universal cuff sizes work for most, but custom small or large cuffs are available.

Consider the Timing

You should measure your blood pressure in the morning, but not immediately after waking. Make sure to take a reading before you exercise, eat, or take medications.

In the evening, take a second reading, ensuring it's not within 30 minutes of eating, smoking, or consuming caffeine or alcohol.

Use Proper Positioning

Use the same arm each time you take your blood pressure. Prop up the arm, at heart level, on a steady surface, using a cushion if necessary. You should place the cuff against your bare skin rather than your clothing.

1. Be sure to sit in a comfortable and upright position throughout the measurement
2. Do not cross your legs
3. Avoid talking until results are displayed

Stay Calm

Stress can cause your blood pressure to shoot up, which can leave you feeling even more stressed! Stay Zen-like before taking your daily readings for a more accurate result.

Track your Results

If your device doesn't automatically log your results, write them down on a dedicated notepad. It's normal for there to be some variation in readings. For example, your blood pressure numbers are often higher in the morning or when taken at the doctor's office.

However, if you have concerns about any of your blood pressure readings, contact your doctor.

Understanding Blood Pressure Infographic - Know Your Numbers

Having blood pressure outside the normal range puts your health in jeopardy. If it's too high, you're at risk of serious medical conditions, including heart attacks and stroke. Blood pressure that's too low can be life-threatening in severe cases.

Regardless, ALWAYS discuss readings and health conditions with your physician to ensure accurate results and the safest actions for your health.

Keep in mind that you can have high blood pressure and not even know it. This silent condition might be doing untold harm to your body. Knowing your numbers is the only way to find out for sure if your blood pressure readings fall within the optimal range, and making smart lifestyle choices is the only way to keep them there!

Stay consistent with your health. Use the infographic below as a reminder and helpful guide to understanding your blood pressure readings. View below or click image for free PDF :)

Sources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-high-blood-pressure-guidelines-2017111712756

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/new-blood-pressure-guidelines

Chart Reference

Source: https://www.vivehealth.com/blogs/resources/understanding-blood-pressure

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