Generate alerts if blood pressure readings are out of preset normal ranges.
How to use TelehealthLink™ hypertension Package
Take blood pressure measurements as usual, and that is it. (TelehealthLink™
system automatically records and processes your blood pressure readings in the
background).
Why TelehealthLink™ hypertension package
Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the
amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart
pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
High blood pressure typically develops without signs or symptoms. And it affects
nearly everyone eventually. If you don't have high blood pressure by age 55,
you have a 90 percent chance of developing it at some point in your life,
according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Fortunately, high
blood pressure can be easily detected. And once you know you have high blood
pressure, you can work with your doctor to control it.
Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood
pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Although a few people with
early-stage high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells or a few
more nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms typically don't occur
until high blood pressure has reached an advanced stage.
The latest blood pressure guidelines, issued in 2003 by the National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute, divide blood pressure measurements into four general
categories:
| Normal
|
<120
|
And |
<80
|
| Prehypertension
|
120-139
|
Or |
80-89
|
| Stage 1 hypertension
|
140-159
|
Or |
90-99
|
| Stage 2 hypertension
|
>160
|
Or |
>100
|
A single high blood pressure reading usually isn't enough for a diagnosis.
Because blood pressure normally varies throughout the day — and sometimes
specifically during visits to the doctor (White coat hypertension)— diagnosis
is based on more than one reading taken on more than one occasion. Your doctor
may ask you to record your blood pressure at home and at work to provide
additional information.
Measuring your blood pressure at home and keeping a record of the measurements
will show you and your doctor how much your blood pressure changes during the
day. Your doctor can use the measurements to see how well your medicine is
working to control your high blood pressure. Also, measuring your own blood
pressure is a good way to take part in managing your health.
Additional Information on hypertension