The Best Way to Take Your Own Blood Pressure
Nov. 10, 2014 Men's Health
In a new study from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville, researchers found that people who saw their doctors at least twice a year were more than three times as likely to keep their high blood pressure stable than those who made fewer appointments.
Folks who have more office visits are more likely to be aware they have high blood pressure, more likely to be treated for it, and its more likely to be controlled when they are treated, says study author Brent Egan, M.D. Thats because their docs can begin treatment and adjust meds as necessary during follow-up visits.
Blood pressure counts as high if its over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The first number is your systolic pressurethe pressure when your heart is pumping blood. The second number measures your diastolic pressure, which is when your heart is between beats.
If your blood pressure is out of whack160/100 mm Hg or higheryou may need to see your doc every 2 weeks until its stabilized, or under 140/90. For mildly elevated cases where its close to controlledsay, 140-159/90-99 mm Hgevery month is fine, though you may be able to stretch it to every 2 if you fall in the low end of the range.