Measuring your own Blood Pressure
Measuring your own blood pressure daily enables
you to recognise high blood pressure at an early stage and obtain early treatment.

The oscillometric method of home measurement determines your blood pressure by measuring the pressure fluctuations (oscillations) caused by the pulse waves.

Since your blood pressure fluctuates during the course of the day you should always measure it at the same time each day to ensure that the measurements are genuinely compatible. At the doctor's surgery nervousness and tenseness may
cause your blood pressure values to be higher  than with normal measurement at home. This is known as " White Coat Hypertension".

The blood circulation is responsible for supplying the body with oxygen. Blood pressure is the pre-ssure exerted to the arteries when the blood flows through them.

              WHY  DAILY  READINGS  OF  BLOOD  PRESSURE  ARE  A  GOOD  THING
High Blood Pressure can go unnoticed for a long time , since it does not cause noticeable symptoms. The following are all possible symptoms:  • Overweight • High cholesterol level • Smoking • Lack of physical exercise • Excessive alcohol consumption • Stress and emotional upset • Excessive consumption of salt •
Genetic/hereditary predisposition • Underlying illnesses, such as kidney disorders or endocrine disorders.

                                                         LOOK    OUT   FOR

If your Blood Pressure reaches the upper values of 149 - mmHg and lower values of 90 - 95 mmHg in repeated measurements over several days, you should consult your doctor for a detailed medical examination. You can assist the treatment  prescribed by your doctor in the following ways: Losing weight and lowering your cholesterol level by reducing the calories and fat content in your diet. In particular, reduce the amounts of animal fats and eat more fruit and vegetables.• Reducing your alcohol  consumption • Reducing your intake of salt. The German League for Combating High Blood Pressure recommends that a healthy  diet should not contain  more than 6 grams of  salt per day  (i.e. one teaspoonful) on average • Reducing  your nicotine consumption • Regular outdoor exercise • Measuring your  own  blood pressure. 

There's several fully automatic blood pressure monitors available for home
use. See your chemist. Shown is RX. Model M5-1  is used in surgeries.Always remember, self-measurement is not the same as medical treatment.