KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Your goal for blood pressure is less than 135 and less than 85. If you have diabetes or kidney problems, your goal is less than 130 and less than 80.
WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE?
Blood pressure is measured by two numbers. The first, or top number, is known as systolic blood pressure. It is the pressure when the heart squeezes to pump blood to the rest of the body. The second, or bottom number, is know as diastolic blood pressure. It occurs when the heart relaxes.
CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBERS AT HOME
Your doctor or nurse may ask you to begin taking your blood pressure at home. Doing this will help determine a more accurate blood pressure. Blood pressure numbers are usually lower at home than in the clinic. Make sure to record your readings according to your healthcare professionals instructions.
- Take your blood pressure twice a day for seven days
- Take 2-3 readings in the morning and the evening. Each reading should be 2 minutes apart
- Use a log to record your readings or print the numbers stored in your monitor
- Always take your log to show your doctor or nurse
View Product Ratings and Validations of Home BP Monitors
HOW TO LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
- Exercise at a comfortable pace for 30-60 minutes a day. Remember, you can break this up into three 10-minute or two 15-minute exercise sessions per day!
- Set your alarm 15 minutes earlier and go for a morning walk.
- Go for a 15-minute walk on your lunch break.
- Walk or ride bikes with family and friends after dinner.
- Join a gym or a group program.
Why is exercise important? Exercise can help prevent heart attack and stroke by: