In the first part of this article, we gave you tips on how to choose the best blood pressure apparatus as well as how to prepare yourself for taking your blood pressure at home. In the second part of this article, we continue with the steps on how to take your own BP and interpreting the readings.
Taking your blood pressure, just like any medical procedure, has proper steps. To avoid incorrect readings, follow these steps instructed by our doctors at Palm Beach Gardens urgent care:
1.Sit in a comfortable chair in a quiet spot in your house. Your back should be straight and your arms should have an even surface for support, with both of your feet flat on the floor as well.
2. Make sure that you're well-rested and relaxed before measuring. It might be helpful to empty your bladder, as studies have shown it could affect your blood pressure as well.
3. Go over your blood pressure monitor manual, as there should be an illustration of how your arms and elbows must be positioned on the armrest in relation to your heart's level. Roll up your sleeves before placing the cuff on your arm. Loosen your hand and your palm should be facing upwards.
4. Once the cuff is fitted securely around your arm, simply press the power button on your digital monitor to turn it on. You should see a zero number on the display screen, which means that the device is ready to measure.
5. Press "Start" on the automatic blood pressure monitor, then sit back and relax as the device quietly takes a reading. After a few seconds, the monitor should have one long beep before the numbers pop up on the display screen.
6. If your blood pressure monitor did not get an accurate reading, you might hear a double beep, or a display screen indicator for error. Don't rush into taking another measurement. Instead, wait a few more minutes for the cuff to deflate and relax on your seat before doing it all over again.
The number that appears on the left side of your home monitor display screen is the systolic pressure - the force that pushes the blood into the arterial walls each time your heart pumps. The number that appears on the right side is the diastolic pressure, which indicates the blood pressure in between heartbeats.
Here’s what your blood pressure reading means, according to the American Heart Association.
Note that if your BP falls under the last category, you must consult our doctors at Urgent Care Palm Beach Gardens immediately to get the medical intervention you need.
Following a diagnosis or a hospital stay, it’s recommended that you take your blood pressure measurements daily. Once in the morning before you start your activities and then in the evening when you’re about to call it a night.
Take two or three readings at a time within one to two minutes apart so that your doctors can have more data to compare. Do this for at least two weeks or until your next doctor’s appointment and don’t forget to bring your home BP monitor when you see your doctor for your checkup.
If you have further questions about blood pressure monitoring, our doctors at Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches Walk-in Clinic are always happy to help. You may also Contact Us or schedule an appointment.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
Asthma is a common case in urgent care Forest Hill. It affects people of all ages but it is children with asthma who need delicate medical attention as for them this can be a life-threatening condition.
At least 6.2 million children in the United States suffer from asthma, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. However, only a few are getting the proper treatment and management to prevent complications and ensure the safety of the child.
According to the American Lung Association, most children exhibit the first symptoms of asthma before they reach the age of five. But, diagnosing the condition in such young children can be challenging because of other childhood diseases with similar symptoms.
However, a child may have a higher risk of asthma if:
To diagnose the condition of children older than five, the doctor at Palm Springs urgent care might require spirometry, which measures the patient's breathing. For younger kids, the doctors may base the diagnosis on how the child responds to the treatments.
The airways become inflamed when a child is having an asthma attack because his body is reacting to the irritants around him. The soft tissues around these airways may also swell and tighten. During these episodes, the airways also produce more mucus, which can narrow the passageway further restricting the airflow. Thus, a child may start coughing, wheezing or experiencing abnormal breathing during an asthma attack.
It is important to note that the triggers of asthma vary with every child. Some asthma attacks may be due to common problems like allergies, pollution, chest colds, or occur after physical activity. Parents, together with the doctor, must help the child recognize the triggers, both indoors and outdoors.
According to our urgent care Forest Hill doctors, asthma medications come in two types: controller medications to stop the inflammation, or quick-relief medications to prevent the wheezing fits and flare-ups.
Controller medications need to be taken every day despite the absence of symptoms as these are maintenance medications. Quick-relief medications, on the other hand, work within 10 minutes of an asthma attack. The latter are particularly handy during sudden-onset attacks.
Parents need to establish habits in their kids, especially when it comes to taking the maintenance medication. They must also help the child with the proper use of asthma devices, such as nebulizers or inhalers.
Some children's asthma symptoms may worsen as the child grows, while others may experience their symptoms disappearing as their lungs become more developed. However, some children who have outgrown their asthma could experience their symptoms returning in adulthood.
When a child has been diagnosed with this condition, the best thing to do is work together with the doctor to follow through on the treatment and management plan. This way, the child can still have a healthier and active life despite the asthma diagnosis. Schedule an appointment now or Contact Us for more information.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
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