How To Choose Affordable Blood Pressure Monitors

It is more convenient to have your own blood pressure monitor at home if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension. You could do monitoring in the comfort of your own home rather than going to the doctor's clinic.

You can also go to Walgreens, Sam's Club or other pharmacies that have the sit down automatic blood pressure machines available to customers who want to check their own pressure. These checks are fairly accurate, but your blood pressure may be different than it would be if you were checking at home. Part of the reason is that some people may be more anxious outside their home. Your pressure may also fluctuate depending on the time of the day.

Think about it, you're out shopping, driving around, dealing with traffic, trying to find things in the store, and then waiting patiently to check out (many times not). Your blood pressure is bound to be a little high, and yes, it is normal for it to fluctuate throughout the day. But stress also has significant impact on your pressure. You might be better off having your own blood pressure monitor at home to check it at times when you are not influenced by the hustle going on in the world outside.

There are many different types of blood pressure monitors available for home use in the market. Most of them can be purchased in most pharmacies and online sites. Prices varies from as low as $25 and up to $300 and more, depending on the features of the unit, and whether it is electric, battery operated or manual. Blood pressure monitors also come in different types that can perform the test using the finger, wrist, or arm. Some of them inflate automatically and others must be pumped up manually with the attached bulb.

Larger sized cuffs are also available if needed, and most if not all blood pressure monitors will tell the individual their pulse as well as blood pressure reading. To go just a bit further, some monitors will also tell the user if an irregular heartbeat, if a low or high reading is detected, and will give you average of three readings. Most monitors also come with a carrying case, batteries, and forms to record your readings. More expensive models have more features, more than one size cuff, extra bulbs, and just about extra everything.

All these bells and whistles are really not necessary. A basic unit from Walgreens for $35 will serve you just fine. Most blood pressure monitors offer a warranty card you can send in; along with an address you can send it to if you have any problems with the blood pressure monitor. Besides, if you have bought an inexpensive unit, it may just be worth it to just replace with another unit, instead of taking all the time and trouble to send the monitor in for repairs. A home blood pressure monitor is a real life saver. Remember, hypertension is a silent killer.

High Blood Pressure Causes

Though the cause of high blood pressure, in the majority of cases, is unknown. This type of high blood pressure is known as "primary or essential hypertension" and ninety five percent of sufferers, more than 70 million Americans, have "primary or essential Hypertension".

Normal blood pressure has a reading below 120/80. Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is referred to as "pre-hypertension". High blood pressure has a reading of 140/90 or above.

Fortunately some of the contributing factors to high blood pressure are known.

Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of plaque along the walls of the arteries is one contributing factor. Another is the thickening of the artery wall and yet another contributing factor for high blood pressure is small arteries.

The other causes are not a single underlying problem but a combination of various factors that have been concluded to be the causes of high blood pressure include:

* Excess alcohol - Alcohol also plays a direct part in your blood pressure. It has been found in several studies, that the higher the alcohol consumption, the higher the blood pressure. However similar studies have also shown that moderate drinkers appear to have a lower blood pressure than non drinkers.

Moderation is the key.

* Excess salt - There is little doubt that salt intake has a direct effect on blood pressure. Both this and the ingestion of dietary potassium have been found to have adverse effects on a person's health.

High salt intake is considered to be anything more than 5.8 grams per day.

* Diet and Being Overweight - Obesity is another major problem. Overweight people are more liable to have a higher blood pressure than their slim counterpart. The heart and other vital organs have to work harder which leads to added strain.

* Stress - At work or home.

The two most important and affecting factors are high salt intake and genetic tendencies. The first is easily controlled, for the second, diligent monitoring is key.

The only true way of ascertaining whether you have high blood pressure or not is by having it checked by a doctor or even self monitored at home. This is a an easy procedure and every adult should have their blood pressure taken at least on an annual basis if not more often.

Secondary Hypertension

There are a few cases of high blood pressure in which the underlying problem from which it stems is known. This type of high blood pressure is known as 'secondary hypertension'.

Secondary hypertension is said to be caused by kidney abnormality, a tumor or tumors in the adrenal gland, or a congenital defect of the aorta. Treating the underlying cause will usually return the blood pressure back to normal.

Unfortunately of all high blood pressure patients only five percent of people with high blood pressure have 'secondary hypertension'

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an essential and effective in both preventing and controlling high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes alone, however, may not be enough it may be necessary to take blood pressure medications.

7 Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure

About 5 years ago, I had a bout of high blood pressure. It was the norm for me to have a headache everyday. I went to the doctor and my blood pressure was 220/140. Of course, they slapped me on medicine right away and were very surprised I hadn’t had a stroke.

My father suffered with high blood pressure all of his adult life, and I was faith-determined that the same would not be true for me. As a matter of fact, it was one of the things which led to his death. While my father’s condition worsened, I began to pray, speak health and life over him, fast, pray, etc.. I remember clearly one day, as I spoke healing to him, he looked up at me [in his frail condition] and said “If this is true why am I not getting better?”

I prayed and prayed, and he didn’t get any better. He went on to be with the LORD. My faith was shipwrecked for a minute. One day I was going through some of his belongings and I ran across one of his diagnostic tests. The test revealed that my father continued to eat things that worked counter productively to his healing.

So when faced with my own situation, I knew God wanted me to pray, yes, and definitely stand in faith, but to also couple the prayer with some tangible action steps. I’m sharing these steps with you, and believe just as God has healed me, He will do the same for you as you consistently apply insight plus action.

Here they are:

1) Get 8+

Sleep is very important for those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Specifically, a minimum of 8+ hours is best. Don’t oversleep, it too will cause headaches and the blood pressure to rise.

2) Limit/eliminate the caffeine

Caffeine causes the blood pressure to rise. As a matter of fact, coffee does horrible things to our body. Here’s a penetrating fact: It can take up to 12 hours to detoxify a single cup of coffee! You can find out more about how to kick the caffeine habit.

3) Walk/exercise

If your blood pressure is extremely high [like mine was], any exercise above a walk could put excessive strain on your heart and immediately cause either a heart attack or a stroke. With that said, I strongly suggest starting off with a walk until you have lowered your blood pressure on a consistent basis. A 30-minute walk will suffice and get your blood pressure readings down.

4) Smash the salt habit

I know, I know, gotta have it, right? I did too, but God put it to me this way. It’s either the salt or the high blood pressure. “Okay, I’m moving on” was my reply, and you can too. Here are some options: Ms. Dash, sea salt, and salt substitutes [sparingly of course].

5) Avoid FFP (fried, frozen, and processed foods)

The more natural you keep your diet, the better. If you can start shifting slowly towards eating more fruit, vegetables, and salad, you will reap dramatic results. Another little thing I found out…stop eating out. Most restaurants fry in oil that clogs our arteries and use copious amounts of salt and the food is processed excessively by the time it arrives on our plate.

6) Drop it

I’m not sure where you are in terms of weight, but any weight loss lowers blood pressure. I wasn’t overweight at all [okay maybe a little bit – smile] I did lose and am maintaining my 20 pounds lighter weight load.

7) Hydrate & Oxygenate

Drink water, but not just any ole’ water. The best water for lowering blood pressure contains the medicinal property of oxygen. Oxygen is one strategy that is used to treat high blood pressure. Some doctors suggest their patients get an oxygen tank for home use. Well, lo and behold, you can drink the right water and achieve the same results. This water is the highest quality bottled water you can drink, and it helps you stay properly hydrated, impacts your weight management, energy level, and goes through a 13-step purification process. It contains no chemicals, lead, chlorine, or other impurities. You can find it at your local health food store or online - www.pentawater.com. I want you to know I’ve recommended this before and some perceive it to be a little costly. I realize where my heart is…my pocketbook will follow, and I’m not in debt so it’s easy to adjust my budget to take care of my temple.

Okay, this will get you off to a good start. I am confident God’s healing power is in what I’ve shared here with you, and beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers (3 John 1:2).

If you want more support, tips, and resources on how I partnered with God to lower my blood pressure, you can pick up a copy of my fit e-book.

Be well,

Karen M. Pina GOD’s Coach

High Blood Pressure: 10 Tips That Could Save Your Life!

When most people are told they have high blood pressure (or Hypertension) it comes as quite a shock. With many people being diagnosed between the ages of 25-45, it is fast becoming a great concern for both the individual and their young families.

The problem is, it has no early symptoms. You feel good, lifes great. Yes, you may be a little unfit and you could eat better, but generally you feel fine.

If youre lucky, youll get a warning. Some people will have dizzy spells whilst for others the early warning comes as a mild heart attack. If you are one of the lucky ones who get the warning, dont take it lightly.

Hypertension is part of the collective term Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiovascular Disease encompasses high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, and stroke. It is the biggest killer in the western world with 696,947 deaths in 2002 in the US alone.

When blood pressure is measured, you get two numbers: the Systolic (top number), and the Diastolic ( bottom number). Of most concern is the diastolic reading. A reading of 80-90 is now considered pre-hypertension. This means that youre not in danger yet but it would be a good idea to start modifying your lifestyle. If your diastolic blood pressure is over 90, then you have high blood pressure and you should get medical advice immediately. Getting on top of it early can make all the difference.

The 10 Tips for Reducing Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure can be reduced significantly and quickly through making minor adjustments to your lifestyle. Until then, these guidelines should be followed:

1. Have regular medical checks, especially if you are over 40, overweight, smoke, or lead an inactive lifestyle.

2. Start an exercise program. Obtain a medical clearance prior to starting.

3. The exercise program must be gradual, regular and aerobic in nature (walking/cycling). Start by walking 5 days per week, for 10-20 minutes. Something as simple as walking 10 minutes per day can reduce blood pressure to the extent where medication is no longer required.

4. Give up smoking (or at least cut down!). Giving up smoking has been proven to be the greatest single factor in improving your health fast.

5. Eliminate salt from your diet. As salt travels through the body it draws fluid out of the blood vessels, which in turn increases blood pressure.

6. Avoid isometric exercises. These are exercises where you exert force against an immovable object (eg, trying to lift something really heavy). You generally hold your breath whilst doing this, and that will make your blood pressure skyrocket.

7. Avoid sudden changes in temperature as this too can increase blood pressure and put extra strain on a weak heart.

8. Never lift anything above the head. It doesnt matter whether its weights, or a can of baked beans. In fact, I know a person who has to sit down to wash his hair because his blood pressure rises whenever he raises his arms up!

9. Focus on your breathing throughout any lifting or stretching as holding your breath will increase blood pressure.

10. Dont use pulse rate as a direct measure of exercise intensity if blood pressure medications are being used, as these can decrease pulse rate significantly.

High blood pressure does not have to be a death sentence. Give it the respect it deserves and it just may turn out to be a positive turning point. The start of the new (fit and healthy) you!

Ray Kelly has helped over 5000 people achieve their health and fitness goals. Living a healthy lifestyle can be easy. Sign up for his free 7 Day Weight Loss Course at http://www.free-online-health.com

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