Early Detection Is Everything
Early detection is a powerful tool in the fight against high blood pressure which is the leading cause of stroke and for that reason Irish Heart recommends that from the age of 30 everyone should know their blood pressure levels, and have them checked as a preventative step.
High blood pressure is a silent, stealthy and symptomless killer and is a leading cause of stroke, heart disease, premature death and disability in Ireland today, with almost one million people suffering from it.
What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean
A blood pressure test measures how hard your hearts working to pump blood through your body.
Blood pressure is measured with 2 numbers. The first number is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.
Compare your blood pressure to these numbers:
- Normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80
- High blood pressure is 130/80 or higher
- Blood pressure thats between normal and high is called elevated blood pressure or prehypertension
How Can I Check My Blood Pressure At Home
Checking your blood pressure at home is easier than youd expect. You first need to buy the right equipment. Talk to your doctor about the best home monitors to buy to check your blood pressure. You want to make sure you get the right size cuff. Once you have your device, heres how to get started:
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol, exercise, and caffeine a half hour before you take a reading.
- Find a quiet place and sit in a comfortable chair. Rest for at least five minutes.
- Follow your monitors instruction booklet to position the cuff properly and inflate it. For manual monitors, this means squeezing the bulb. For automatic ones, its simply a press of a button.
- Check the readings. Write down the top number and the bottom number .
- Finally, establish a routine for checking your blood pressure at home. This enables you to notice trends in your numbers, which is helpful.
Feel free to share your blood pressure records with your doctor, especially if youre at a higher risk for developing heart disease.
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Ripoff Want My Money Back
This app should be removed. I used the free version on my iPhone. I filled out my profile. Then I filled out my first measurement. Then I filled in all my medication information. Unfortunately, I tried to review the profile. It showed where data had been entered in white rows. There were gray rows below some and I thought I could select one to fill in. But I ended up trapped in a purchase or restore window. There was an icon at the top left that looked like a way to return to previous page but it didnt respond. There were two selections at the top for Cancel and Restore. Cancel didnt take me out of there. Text said if I wasnt using the purchased product that Cancel would work. But I was just stuck in that window. The other option, Restore, gave me a Transaction completed response. Still cant get back to the app. I tried leaving the app and going back in but I just get the same Purchase trap page. So I tried the Purchase button and got another transaction completed message. I still cant get back to the app. Ive tried going to the Apple store and looked for support. The support link takes you to a non-functioning information page. Apple store for the app, takes you to the same non-functioning page. So I am not happy that I wasted the time using the app and wasted a purchase for something that does nothing. I want a refund.
What Puts Me At Higher Risk For High Blood Pressure
Your risk for high blood pressure goes up as you get older. Youre also at increased risk for high blood pressure if you:
- Are African American
- Are overweight or have obesity
- Dont get enough physical activity
- Drink too much alcohol
- Dont eat a healthy diet
- Have kidney failure, diabetes, or some types of heart disease
Learn more about your risk for high blood pressure.
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What Phone Apps Let You Check Your Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you to check your blood pressure regularly at home. You may also have noticed there are apps available for your smartphone that claim they can monitor your blood pressure, but are they as reliable as a doctors blood pressure cuff ?
There are some smartphone apps that can help you monitor your blood pressure, but they cannot actually check blood pressure.
A 2015 study in the Journal of the American Society of Hypertension looked at iTunes for Apple phones and Google Play for Android phones for popular apps that monitor blood pressure. In general, the study found the apps to be helpful for tracking blood pressure. Most were simply types of tracking software in which users manually entered blood pressure readings to track over time.
Other helpful features of many of the apps included:
- Manual input of information on heart rate, salt intake, weight, exercise and other factors that can impact heart health
- Reminders to take blood pressure medications or to check blood pressure and input data for tracking
- Ability to send information directly to the users physicians
How Can I Get My Blood Pressure Checked
To test your blood pressure, a nurse or doctor will put a cuff around your upper arm. The nurse or doctor will pump the cuff with air until it feels tight, then slowly let it out. This takes just a few minutes.
You can find out what your blood pressure numbers are right after the test is over. If the test shows that your blood pressure is high, ask the doctor what to do next.
Blood pressure can go up and down, so its a good idea to get it checked more than once.
Can I check my blood pressure by myself?
Yes. Many shopping malls, pharmacies, and grocery stores have blood pressure machines you can use in the store. You can also buy a home blood pressure monitor at a drug store. If the test shows that your blood pressure is high, talk to your doctor.
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A Blood Pressure Reading Gives Two Numbers
The top systolic reading gives the pressure of your blood on your arteries at it travels around your body.
The bottom diastolic reading is the lowest pressure on your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Enter these numbers into the blood pressure calculator and Submit. The blood pressure calculator will instantly summarise your reading and give recommendations.
Record readings entered into the blood pressure checker to monitor changes and seek medical advice if you are concerned about any results using the blood pressure calculator.
Can Taking Blood Pressure Too Much Hurt You
As long as you use your blood pressure monitor as designed, taking your blood pressure too often should not hurt you. A home monitor releases the pressure in the cuff slower than a standard measurement at your doctors office. This can feel uncomfortable and possibly leave a mark on your skin. This is more likely to happen if you take your pressure too often or if your cuff size is too small.
Its possible, in people who are at increased risk for capillary fragility, to experience a condition called tourniquet-induced petechiae. After prolonged compression of a blood pressure cuff, a red rash or red dots, can appear on the skin . Although rare, this condition has occurred to patients in a hospital after repeated blood pressure readings during monitoring or surgery.
The following are ways to prevent petechiae:
- Dont take your blood pressure unnecessarily.
- Use the right size cuff.
- Position the cuff properly on your arm.
- Follow the instructions in your monitor manual.
In addition, taking your pressure too often can set back your blood pressure goals. This can hurt your progress, which leads me to the topic further down, When Not To Take Blood Pressure.
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Common Causes Of Inaccurate Readings
A number of factors can affect your blood pressure and heart rate. If your numbers are unusually high or low, make some adjustments before trying again:
- Stress. When youre worried, stress hormones temporarily elevate both your blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid stressors before checking your blood pressure at home.
- Drug and alcohol use. Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine can affect your numbers, so avoid stimulants and depressants.
- Other medicines. Talk with your doctor about prescription and over-the-counter medicines that may interfere with an accurate reading.
Once you determine your heart rate and blood pressure, record them in a journal or app. Try taking your pulse and checking your blood pressure around the same time every day to establish a personalized baseline. Its that baseline your doctor will use to help you determine what your numbers mean.
To schedule a comprehensive heart screening, visit UPMCs Heart and Vascular Institute.
What Is Blood Pressure Screening & Counseling
Blood pressure screening & counseling is a service designed to screen patients who may be at risk for hypertension and other heart health conditions. During this visit, the healthcare provider will record the patient’s age, height, weight and waist circumference, as well as medical, family, and social history information. After this, the provider will take the patient’s blood pressure using an arm cuff and a blood test will be performed by obtaining a small blood sample from the patient’s finger in order to screen for other heart health conditions.
Based on the results, a healthcare provider will counsel the patient on their risk factors and recommend lifestyle changes to help the patient lead a healthier life. Further testing and evaluation may be required.
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How Can High Blood Pressure Affect Pregnancy
If youre pregnant, high blood pressure can be dangerous for you and your baby. If you have high blood pressure and you want to get pregnant, its important to take steps to lower your blood pressure first.
Sometimes women get high blood pressure for the first time during pregnancy. This is called gestational hypertension. This type of high blood pressure usually goes away after the baby is born but you may have a higher risk of getting high blood pressure in the future.
If you have high blood pressure while youre pregnant, be sure to visit your doctor regularly. To learn more:
How Can I Check My Blood Pressure At Home A Step
2 Minute Read
Many people with high blood pressure check their own blood pressure at home. However, you dont need to have a high blood pressure diagnosis to do so yourself.
Your blood pressure is the amount of force placed on the walls of your blood vessels as your heart pumps blood. What you learn from taking your blood pressure can improve your lifestyle and may prevent a future, life-changing diagnosis.
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Does Smartbp Automatically Backup My Data
We offer an optional premium paid service that allows you to back up your Health Data outside your Device and allows you to access this Health Data on multiple devices, including iOS phones, tablets and Android devices. However, enrollment in this service should not be treated as a substitute for regularly taking additional back up of Your Health Data. While We have implemented reasonable precautions to protect the information we collect from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. Please be aware that despite our best efforts, no data security measures can guarantee 100% security. It is the user’s responsibility to regularly backup their data. Other methods of backing up data include exporting a CSV of all your data to various apps or emailing it to yourself and saving it. For more information on our privacy policy, visit
Do I Need To Use A Blood Pressure Checker
You may not need a blood pressure checker for every reading, but it will help manage blood pressure health. As you become familiar with your readings, using a blood pressure checker will advise how to improve and maintain healthy blood pressure.
The blood pressure calculator can be accessed via desktop, tablet or mobile.
If you have questions about taking blood pressure or using the blood pressure checker, contact us. If you are concerned about your reading after using this blood pressure calculator or any other blood pressure checker, seek medical advice.
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Why Get Your Blood Pressure Checked
- High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition which can be controlled to reduce your risk of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular disease.
- In the UK there are about five million adults who have high blood pressure without even knowing it, since high blood pressure itself rarely causes symptoms.
- The British Heart Foundation estimates that high blood pressure causes over 50% of heart attacks and strokes.
Please share this information with your family and friends.
The Instant Blood Pressure App Estimates Blood Pressure With Your Smartphone And Our Algorithm
Do not rely on Instant Blood Pressure for medical advice or diagnosis. It is not as accurate as and is not a substitute for a cuff or other blood pressure monitor. It is not suitable for use by individuals whose blood pressure falls outside of our supported Systolic range of 83 – 178 or our supported Diastolic range of 58-107 .
Learn the science & performance characteristics
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Why We All Need To Check Our Blood Pressure
Dr Angie Brown, Medical Director with Irish Heart said: While most people have heard of high blood pressure, many still dont understand the importance of having it checked. Right now in Ireland close to one million adults have the condition but half of them dont know it.
Silent and invisible, high blood pressure can seriously damage blood vessels and the heart if left unchecked.
Dr Angie Brown, Medical Director, Irish Heart
Dr. Brown continued, People with high blood pressure are three times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack compared to those with healthy or controlled blood pressure.
The good news is that a simple blood pressure check can be all it takes to detect high blood pressure, which can then be effectively managed through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight,being active and consuming less salt, fatty foods and alcohol. In some cases doctors will recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to manage blood pressure and protect against strokes.
Blood Pressure Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
You can have your blood pressure checked at any LloydsPharmacy. No appointment is usually needed just call in and ask one of our pharmacy team of if you’d like you can book in advance with ourbooking form.
How long will it take?
The check-up will only take 15 minutes, but our pharmacy team will take as long as required to answer any questions you have.
Does this check-up cost anything?
Yes, this particular service costs £7.50** which will be taken in store at the time of your appointment.
What do I do next?
Visit your local LloydsPharmacy and ask for your check-up, or book your appointment in advance with ourbooking form.
-
Where can I get my blood pressure checked?
You can have your blood pressure checked at any LloydsPharmacy. No appointment is usually needed just call in and ask one of our pharmacy team of if you’d like you can book in advance with ourbooking form.
-
How long will it take?
The check-up will only take 15 minutes, but our pharmacy team will take as long as required to answer any questions you have.
-
Does this check-up cost anything?
Yes, this particular service costs £7.50** which will be taken in store at the time of your appointment.
-
What do I do next?
Visit your local LloydsPharmacy and ask for your check-up, or book your appointment in advance with ourbooking form.
References
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About Heart And Vascular Institute
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. As one of the first heart transplant centers in the country and as the developer of one of the first heart-assist devices, UPMC has contributed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine.
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Free Checks In Communities Everywhere All It Takes Is 10 Minutes
High blood pressure can be detected even in younger people but the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get checked. Irish Heart is now offering free blood pressure checks in communities across the country through the recently launched dedicated Mobile Health Unit.
Irish Hearts Mobile Health Unit is staffed by fully qualified nurses and the free blood pressure test is non-invasive and after the nurses will advise you on how to manage your blood pressure, as well as on general lifestyle.
Awareness of high blood pressure in Ireland is low compared with levels of awareness in the USA and England . Just think, 10 minutes of your day will arm you with the knowledge you need to cut down the risks of stroke, heart disease and, even, death.
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Eat A Balanced Diet With Dash
A special eating plan called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension offers a balanced diet known to be effective for lowering blood pressure6 and LDL, or bad, cholesterol.7 The DASH diet is easy to implement with foods from Publix, and includes daily and weekly servings from different food groups based on your calorie needs.8
Heres how to get started with the DASH diet:
- Calculate your calorie needs here.*
- Identify your daily and weekly number of servings per food group.
- Follow the servings guide below.