Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your blood vessels when your heart pumps. It is normal when your heart works well and your blood vessels stay strong and flexible. High blood pressure can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Most people do not feel high blood pressure
How to measure blood pressure at home:
• Rest first: Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes before measuring
• Sit properly: Sit with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported by a chair. Do not cross or squeeze your legs
• Arm position: Rest your arm on a table. The blood pressure cuff should be on a bare arm, at the same level as your heart. The cuff should be placed about 2 cm above your elbow
• Take several readings: Measure your blood pressure on both arms. Use the arm with the higher reading. Take at least 2 measurements in the morning and 2 in the evening. If the first two readings differ by more than 10 mmHg, take another reading. Your blood pressure is the average of the last two measurements
• Clothing: Do not wear tight clothes that can press on your arm
• Avoid stimulants: Do not smoke or drink coffee for at least 30 minutes before measuring. Also, try to avoid using some medicines like eye drops or nasal drops if possible
• Room temperature: Make sure the room is comfortable, not too hot or too cold
• Stay still: Do not talk, move, or eat during the measurement
• Empty your bladder: Try to use the bathroom before the test
Blood pressure categories:
• Normal: Below 120/80 mmHg
• Elevated: Systolic 120-129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg
• High: Systolic 130 mmHg or more, or diastolic 80 mmHg or more