Archive for 'Cardio & Blood-Cholesterol'
REDUCING YOUR RISK OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE – «WHITE COAT» HYPERTENSION
Sometimes when people have their blood pressure measured in their doctor’s office it is hig,h yet it is normal if measured at home. This condition, called «white coat» (or «stress» or «office) hypertension, may affect up to 20 percent of the population. In these people, blood pressure readings taken by a nonphysician may more accurately reflect the usual blood pressure. It also may be helpful to learn to take your own blood pressure at home. Portable, devices that continuously monitor and record blood pressure are useful tools, because blood pressure can be recorded during the* day and night. This method gives a more realistic and accurate assessment of an individual’s true blood pressure.It generally is not a good idea to have your blood pressure measured by an automated machine at a shopping mall. The machines are usually accurate when first installed, but heavy use and infrequent calibration can make them faulty. It is also difficult to be as relaxed as possible in that setting.*256\252\8*