Once diagnosed you can work with your doctor to find find the best approach for you to reduce this risk factor. The advantage of monitoring your blood pressure at home and keeping a record of it is that your doctor will be able to make a much better informed decision as to what treatment is best for you. It is also makes you an active participant in your own management of this condition. You can see the effect of the the changes you make and are more motivated to do the things that you know will help.
Another advantage of using home blood pressure monitors is that overcomes “white coat hypertension”. This is the phenomena of people having higher blood pressure when measured in a doctors clinic. The pressure and stress of the situation has been shown to increase some peoples level of hypertension. By performing the measurement in a relaxed home situation this potential problem is eliminated.
An excellent tip if you buy a home blood pressure monitor is to take it with you on your next visit to your doctor and check its accuracy against the doctors equipment.
Choice magazine has said that arm monitors are generally more effective than wrist monitors and that those that inflate the cuff automatically are generally better than those that need to be inflated manually.
In summary the advantages are that your doctor has better information to help you manage the condition and it gives you the information to do something about it earlier.
