High blood pressure is a common chronic disease that silently affects the health of many people. In the case of high blood pressure patients, self-pressure monitoring is like a loyal health guard who can help them to keep up to date with blood pressure conditions and to control them effectively. The self-pressure monitoring method for high blood pressure patients is described below.
I. Selection of suitable sphygmomanometers
The market has a wide variety of sphygmomanometers, mainly electronic sphygmomanometers and mercury sphygmomanometers. Electronic sphygmomanometers are simple, the measurements are accurate and have different types of upper arm, wrist and finger. In general, upper arm electrosphygmomanometers are more suitable for most hypertension patients and their measurements are relatively stable and reliable. The use of mercury sphygmomanometers, although highly accurate, requires a certain level of expertise and risks of mercury contamination, so it is not recommended to be used by a common patient without the guidance of a professional medical practitioner. When purchasing an electronic sphygmomanometer, a certified product produced by a formal manufacturer is selected to ensure the accuracy of the measurements.
II. Timing of measurements
Blood pressure fluctuates in one day, so it is important to choose the appropriate measurement time. It is generally recommended that, within one hour of getting up in the morning, when the body has not yet engaged in intense activity, the results of the measurements reflect the basic blood pressure level; the time is also good to measure before the night’s sleep and to learn about the day’s blood pressure fluctuations. In addition, the number of measurements may be increased, as appropriate, during periods of high blood pressure volatility, such as 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. If the patient is taking a depressive drug, blood pressure should also be measured for 2 – 3 hours before and after taking the drug to observe the depressive effect of the drug. It is important to note that the time of each blood pressure measure should be as constant as possible in order to better compare blood pressure trends.
III. Measuring positions and the environment
When measuring blood pressure, the patient should remain quiet and relaxed. Sitting on a chair with a back, with two feet flat on the ground, with a back and arm to support, without talking, with no cross-legs or arms. The measured arm should be kept on the same horizontal line as the heart, and the arm could naturally be placed on the table. The measurement of the environment should be quiet and warm, avoiding measurements in cold, noisy or highly light-irritated environments, as these factors may result in temporary increases in blood pressure and affect the accuracy of measurements.
IV. Measuring steps
For example, the commonly used upper arm electro-sphygmomanometers are first to tie the sphygmomanometer cuffs flatly around the upper arm, and the lower edge of the cuff belt should be 2 – 3 centimetres above the elbow nest, which would be appropriate to insert a finger. Then press the start button of the sphygmomanometer, at which point the sphygmomanometer will automatically inflate, vent and measure the blood pressure. During the measurement, the patient must remain quiet and do not move his arm or body. Upon completion of the measurements, the sphygmomanometer will show values such as constriction, constriction and pulse, which should be recorded in a timely manner by the patient, including the timing of the measurements, blood pressure values, pulses and the state of the body at the time (e.g., if there are symptoms of dizziness, headache, etc.).
V. Data recording and analysis
A special blood pressure record is prepared, and the blood pressure data from each measurement is carefully recorded. The records include not only blood pressure values, but also time, date, state of measurement, etc. By recording for a period of time, it is possible to draw its own blood pressure swing curves and to observe trends in blood pressure. If continuing blood pressure rises or fluctuations are observed, the doctor should be contacted in a timely manner to adjust the treatment programme. At the same time, patients can make the recorded data available to doctors so that they can have a fuller picture of the situation and develop a more accurate treatment plan.
High blood pressure patients have the right self-pressure monitoring methods to better understand their blood pressure conditions, detect anomalies in a timely manner and take appropriate measures. This is of paramount importance for the control of hypertension and the prevention of complications. It is hoped that every high blood pressure patient will focus on self-pressure monitoring and protect his or her health.
High blood pressure.
