someone explain blood pressure please.

[guanajagirl]

In short blood pressure measures the pressure in you arteries when your heart is contracted ( the top number)or systolic and then when your heart is relaxed ( the bottom number) or diastolic. Pain, stress, coffee and soda's and your arteries can def' have a effect on your bp. It is a good sign that its not always high. Track your blood pressure for a few weeks and see if you can trace the times when its high to periods of high stress or dietary habits. If so make some changes in those areas and see if it makes a difference. If not or it stays high ( and really most of the cardiologist i work with dont get concerned unless its high 140-150 systolic bp sustained.), then see your doctor again. Hope this helps!

[Kimmyt]

I know mine is very variable depending on the situation. With doctors, many times it will be high. Once they recommended I get blood tests done if it was high two visits in a row, because it was high, but then the next time it was fine. THey even suggested it was the stress of being at a doctor. I just had it taken a week ago and again it was high, but I had just been running around and doing errands beforehand and fighting traffic to get to my appt on time, so I think it was stress there too. I had it taken several months before and the lady said I had near perfect blood pressure so I am just going to keep an eye on it and see if it is high again in the near future.

K.

[Tokie]

It's a good idea to check your BP in a consistent fashion. (same time of day,perhaps in am before breakfast?) Make sure your arm is relaxed and supported on something at about the same level as your heart. Sorry for all your stresses - you do need some cute PJs! (retail therapy, my favorite next to cycling!) Tokie

[Brandi]

Thank you very much. I will track it! I have been really. But I don't want to obsessive either.