Changes in blood pressure are something that most of us will encounter during our lives. Usually, the issue is a fleeting one.
However, if it becomes a regular occurrence, the National Institute of Health and Social Care (NICE) suggests that tracking your blood pressure on a regular basis may be important. In this article, we discuss how to do this accurately, and the critical role the pharmacists play.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood as it moves around your body. In the UK, it is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). However, when on holiday, or if you are from a country outside the UK, you might hear blood pressure being called PSI. This is simply another way of measuring millimetres of mercury. Whether you use the term mm Hg or PSI, there are two measurements. The first is systolic, which explains the pressure of blood as it leaves your heart. The second is diastolic, which is when your heart muscle relaxes.
Why Does My Blood Pressure Change?
There are many reasons why your blood pressure may fluctuate. Often, these are completely natural. For example, if you are exercising, your blood pressure will normally rise. Equally, if you are very tired or stressed, your blood pressure may rise or fall. Either of these changes may make you feel dizzy. Sometimes, medications can affect your blood pressure. For instance, diuretics can reduce your body’s potassium, and this can cause your blood pressure to rise. In rare cases, there may be a more serious cause, such as kidney disease. As such, it is helpful to keep an eye on your blood pressure.
How Can I Measure My Blood Pressure At Home?
Most pharmacies have blood pressure monitoring equipment, which are registered here. Alternatively, you can purchase high quality blood pressure monitoring equipment to use at home. These are small, battery-powered machines attached to a cuff, which you place around your arm. It is important that you are sitting down and that your arm is resting comfortably on a surface. Blood pressure monitoring machines from CIGA Healthcare will give you highly accurate systolic and diastolic pressure readings, helping you to track any unusual fluctuations.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Your pharmacists will explain to you how to correctly read your blood pressure. Normal ranges for systolic mm Hg are between 90 and 120, with this number naturally increasing with age. A few lifestyle choices can help to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. However, if your readings are above 180 mm Hg, seek medical help immediately. The normal range for diastolic blood pressure is between 60 and 80 mm Hg. If your diastolic readings are higher than 120 mm Hg, you will need to speak to your doctor.
What Next?
Having a home blood pressure machine can help you to keep track of your health. This is especially important if you are recovering from an illness, trying to lose weight, or focusing on your cardiovascular health. Monitoring machines from the CIGA Healthcare Suresign range, available from many leading pharmacies in the UK and ROI, are one of the most accurate ways of doing this, so for more information please get in touch today on 02825 638569 or get in touch with us by clicking here.
