High blood pressure (hypertension) can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms develop. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to disability, a poor quality of life, or even a fatal heart attack or stroke.
How long should you wait between blood pressure readings?
Take a repeat reading. Wait for one to three minutes after the first reading, and then take another to check accuracy. If your monitor doesn’t automatically log blood pressure readings or heart rates, write them down.
Can a tight blood pressure cuff cause a high reading?
Improper placement of the cuff over clothing can cause your blood pressure measurement to increase 10 to 50 points. If the cuff is too small, it can add 2 to 10 points your reading. Be sure to roll up your sleeve for a blood pressure test and also let your doctor know if the cuff feels too tight around your arm.
When should you be concerned about low blood pressure?
Most doctors will only consider chronically low blood pressure as dangerous if it causes noticeable signs and symptoms, such as: Dizziness or lightheadedness. Nausea. Fainting (syncope)
Can you live a long life with high blood pressure?
If left untreated, a blood pressure of 180/120 or higher results in an 80% chance of death within one year, with an average survival rate of ten months. Prolonged, untreated high blood pressure can also lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease.
Is it OK to take blood pressure multiple times?
Because blood pressure can fluctuate, it’s a good idea to take at least two readings each time. Always use the same arm, as readings can fluctuate from arm to arm. Track all of the results.
Is it bad to check blood pressure too often?
Don’t check your blood pressure too often. Some people find that they become worried or stressed about small changes in their readings if they take them too often. Worrying can also raise your blood pressure in the short term, making your reading higher than it should be.
Why is my blood pressure different every time I take it?
Some variation in blood pressure throughout the day is normal, especially as a response to small changes in daily life like stress, exercise, or how well you slept the night before. But fluctuations that occur regularly over a number of doctor visits may indicate an underlying problem.
