![]() ![]() It's important to note, throughout the day your blood pressure changes, "What are you doing? Are you resting? Are you up and doing activities? Are you anxious? Are you thinking about something that is stressing you out? Are you eating? It fluctuates with literally everything that we do." 130 and above is considered hypertension. Elevated BP is between 120 and 129 over 80. Check it that way," added Haywood.Ī normal reading is 120 over 80. If you have a table nearby you can elevate your arm on the table, otherwise, you can do it at rest with both hands at your side. Make sure you don't have any clothing on, and make sure your blood pressure cuff is on your bare skin. "If you are at home checking your blood pressure I would recommend you are sitting in a chair, and have your legs uncrossed. But it's also important to make sure you are taking your blood pressure the right way: avoid exercising, eating, drinking caffeine, or smoking 30 minutes before taking a reading, find a quiet space, relax for a few minutes before taking a reading, and go to the bathroom ahead of time so you don't get distracted. Having a blood pressure cuff at home is an important part of your home first aid kit. If you do not have a device at home you can go to a Walmart or a pharmacy to check it, just so you would have an idea of what your blood pressure would be." ![]() I do highly encourage checking your blood pressure. "One of the things that happens when we have patients come into the ER, in triage, we'll ask them what their normal blood pressure is and a lot of people do not know that. We caught up with Ariana Haywood, a, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Leader in GBMC's Emergency Department about the importance of knowing your blood pressure numbers. May is High Blood Pressure Education Month.Īccording to the National Institute of Health, half of all Americans have high blood pressure, many do not even know it, and that sends people to the Emergency Room. ![]()
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