Why Monitor My Blood Pressure?

Every time you step into a doctor’s office they measure your weight and take your blood pressure. Why is it so important to check your blood pressure regularly anyway? Should a blood pressure machine be part of my home medical supplies?

Your blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries. If you have Hypertension, it means you have high blood pressure. Hypotension means you have low blood pressure.

When your blood pressure is taken, the highest pressure recorded is the systolic pressure. The diastolic pressure is the lowest. Your blood pressure measurement is given with the systolic, or highest number written over the lowest or diastolic number.

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If your numbers are between 120/80 and 140/90 you are “prehypertension” and are at risk for high blood pressure. For prehypertension or hypertension you will need to monitor your blood pressure more frequently as directed by your doctor.

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is when your systolic pressure is below 90. This can be a sign of shock and can be life threatening. If you feel dizzy or faint, contact your doctor immediately.