About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Blood Pressure Monitor: A Guide for Patients
Introduction
Blood pressure (BP) is a crucial indicator of heart health. Monitoring it regularly can help detect hypertension, a condition that increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.
Why Monitor Blood Pressure at Home?
- Detect hypertension early
- Track BP trends over time
- Assess the effectiveness of medications
- Identify white-coat hypertension (high BP due to stress at a doctor's office)
- Monitor for hypotension (abnormally low BP)
Types of BP Monitors
- Upper Arm Monitors (Recommended)
- Most accurate and widely used
- Automatic or manual cuff inflation
- Wrist Monitors
- Less accurate due to positional sensitivity
- Useful for people who cannot use upper arm monitors
- Finger Monitors
- Least reliable; not recommended for medical diagnosis
How to Measure Blood Pressure Correctly
- Rest for at least 5 minutes before measuring
- Sit in a chair with feet flat on the ground
- Place the cuff on bare skin, at heart level
- Avoid talking or moving during measurement
- Take two readings, one minute apart, and record the average
Understanding BP Readings
- Normal: <120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129/<80 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 1: 130–139/80–89 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 2: ≥140/90 mmHg
- Hypertensive Crisis: >180/120 mmHg (Seek emergency care)
Tips for Better BP Control
- Reduce salt and processed food intake
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
Conclusion
A home blood pressure monitor is a valuable tool in managing cardiovascular health. By using it correctly and regularly, you can detect problems early and prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Blood Pressure Management
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
- https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2017/11/08/11/47/mon-5pm-bp-guideline-aha-2017
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure
2. European Society of Cardiology Hypertension Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
- https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/3912/7741010
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/33/3021/5079119
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.