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corrected, may normalize blood pressure. This less common type is known as secondary
hypertension. Hypertension, if left untreated, may contribute to kidney disease, heart attack,
stroke, or other debilitating illnesses. The following standards for assessment of high blood
pressure in adults have been established by the Joint National Committee, 2003.
Remember, only a physician is qualified to interpret the readings obtained from your blood
pressure monitor. No attempt should ever be made at self-diagnosis or treatment.
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Can Hypertension Be Controlled?
Although essential hypertension cannot be cured, it can usually be controlled by altering lifestyle
(including diet), adopting a program of exercise, stress management and, where necessary,
with medication under a doctor's supervision. To help reduce the risk of hypertension, or keep it
under control, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following:
•
Don't smoke
•
Reduce salt and fat intake
• Maintain proper weight
•
Exercise regularly
•
Have regular physical checkups
Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home?
Clinical studies have shown improved detection and treatment of hypertension when regular
home blood pressure monitoring is done in consultation with a physician. Blood pressure
measured in a doctor's office or hospital setting may cause anxiety and lead to an elevated
reading, a condition referred to as "white coat hypertension."
Home measurements generally reduce the "outside" influences on blood pressure readings and
can provide a more comprehensive and meaningful blood pressure history.
Note: While it is important to keep an accurate record of your blood pressure measurements,
don't be overly concerned by the results of any one measurement. Individual results may be
influenced by spiking of your pressure due to diet, anxiety, or mismeasurement resulting from
excessive arm movement, or misapplication of the cuff. Many readings taken at the same time
each day give a more comprehensive blood pressure history. Always be sure to note the date
and time when recording blood pressure and pulse measurements. For best results, and with
time permitting, three successive measurements may be taken daily. Make sure to allow at least
15 second intervals between measurements. Discard any reading that appears suspect and
record the average of the remaining readings. Our Advantage connect instruments offer an
average mode setting which automatically takes 3 readings and displays the average. We
recommend using this setting whenever possible. Additionally, our connects models offer
Bluetooth connection to your smartphone or tablet (free ap must be downloaded). The ap
captures not only the measurement values but date and time to provide you and your healthcare
provider with more valuable information.
How Is Blood Pressure Measured?
Healthcare professionals traditionally use a device known as a sphygmomanometer along with
a stethoscope - essentially a professional version of the very same instrument you have
purchased. The sphygmomanometer is a system consisting of an inflatable bladder contained
within a cuff, inflation bulb with air control valve, and pressure measuring manometer (gauge).
The cuff is wrapped around the limb and inflated to constrict blood flow to the artery. As
pressure is released from the cuff through the deflation valve, blood flow returns to the artery
producing pulse beats known as Korotkoff sounds, which are detected with the stethoscope.
Systolic pressure is recorded at the onset of these sounds. Diastolic pressure is generally
recorded when the sounds disappear (when blood flow to the artery returns to normal). In the
past few years more and more professionals are measuring blood pressure with an automated
device similar to your Advantage monitor.