" --- If you have a mildly high blood pressure when seeing a new doctor, don't jump to conclusions. Some studies have found that systolic blood pressure falls an average of 15 points by the third visit to a new doctor. Diastolic blood pressure falls by an average of 7 points.
If you have high blood pressure, you are likely to need treatment for the rest of your life. I recommend that you buy a blood pressure cuff at a pharmacy. It is worth making an extra effort -- and spending a little bit of money -- to make sure that your treatment is right.
A blood pressure cuff is easy to use. Many of them are automatic and can give you a digital reading of your blood pressure. Use your blood pressure cuff this way:
- Record your blood pressures at home at different times during the day.
- Talk to your doctor if 40% or more of your home blood pressure readings are above 135 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) for the top number or above 85 for the bottom number. Numbers like this mean you need more treatment.
- Talk to your doctor if your numbers are lower than 120/80 and you are feeling side effects from your medicines. You might be overtreated.
- Talk to your doctor if your numbers are higher before you take your daily medicine than after you take it. You might do better if you take medicine twice each day.
- Pay attention to whether your blood pressure is sensitive to what you eat. Particularly note whether it is higher on days after you eat salty foods.---"
