High blood pressure is a serious concern for older adults, and it’s important to set up an appointment with your doctor about it immediately. However, you can take steps to ensure your doctor’s appointment provides you a more accurate strategy to tackle your high blood pressure.
Invest in a High-Quality Home Blood Pressure Monitor
You may be surprised to know that home-based blood pressure measurements are more accurate than blood pressure measurements taken at your doctors. Why? They reflect your blood pressure over a full 24 hours.
Check Your Blood Pressure Twice a Day for a Week
What many don’t realize about blood pressure is that it changes throughout the day. It’s recommended that you check your blood pressure in the morning and evening, especially if you’re taking blood pressure medication. It’s also important to check your blood pressure at the same times every day. Checking your blood pressure several days in a row gives you a more accurate average of your readings.
Create a List of All of Your Medications
Before you visit your doctor, you need to provide an accurate list of all your current medications. This includes non-blood pressure medication as well as supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter medication. Speak to your doctor about any side effects your medicines cause.
Incorporate Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are proven to lower blood pressure alongside medicine:
- Weight Loss
- Exercise
- DASH – Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
- Reducing sodium
- Not smoking
When You See Your Doctor
During your doctor’s visit, you’ll be able to target a blood pressure goal and plan:
- Bring your blood pressure readings
- Bring your medication list
- Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure sitting and standing
Cypress HomeCare is dedicated to helping older adults achieve a healthy, independent lifestyle, and one of the ways we do this is through our compassionate caregivers. Contact us to speak to an expert about home caregivers today.
