During this COVID-19 situation it has become more important than ever to stay home whenever possible. Did you know that you do not need to go to a pharmacy or your doctor’s office to take your blood pressure? There are a few simple steps to help you acheive an accurate blood pressure reading. Keeping in mind that there are a few factors that can cause your blood pressure to rise. A person’s blood pressure normally rises as a result of the following factors: Smoking, Cold Temperatures, Stress, Full Stomach and/or Bladder, Exercise, Certain Medications and Caffeine.
When possible avoid these factors when taking your home reading. Be sure to follow your physician’s instructions on when and how often to take your blood pressure. Also, try measuring your blood pressure at about the same time each day. Hypertension Canada & Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology have provided logs to help you acheive your home reading goals. Simply click on the links and print off from home. Web MD has provided a video to help you with your home readings. To view, please visit https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/hypertension-home-monitoring#1
Home Blood Pressure Logs : https://hypertension.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/HTC_HomeBPLog_ENG.pdf
Every year, with your physician, review the technique for measuring your blood pressure properly and check that your device is in good condition with accurate readings.
Blood Glucose: Please click on the following link provided by the Canadian Diabetes Association for a daily blood glucose record.