Reviewed by | Heidi Wright BSN, RN, PCCN
Imagine your body as a city, with highways of blood vessels transporting life's essentials. Now, think of blood pressure as the traffic flow on these highways. Just right, and everything moves smoothly, but too fast or slow, and there are issues.
Here at Herbaly, we understand that regularly checking this flow, especially the timing of these checks, can make a significant difference in your health management.
In this guide, we dive into the whens and whys of monitoring blood pressure, aiming to help you navigate this vital aspect of your health with ease and precision.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is essentially the force that circulating blood exerts against the walls of your body’s blood vessels.
Blood pressure measurements are a key health indicator. This pressure is recorded with two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic pressure measures the force on your artery walls when your heart beats, pumping blood around your body, while the diastolic pressure captures the moments when your heart rests between beats.
These measurements, typically expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), can tell us a lot about our heart health. Normal blood pressure keeps all your body's diverse systems well-supplied with oxygen and nutrients, essential for maintaining optimal function. Conversely, when these numbers climb too high or dip too low, it can signal underlying health issues or risks that need addressing.
What's Considered Normal Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure numbers come in ranges, and knowing where yours lands can be a big help in steering your health in the right direction.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Normal Blood Pressure: This is when your systolic pressure is below 120 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is under 80 mmHg. It suggests your heart and arteries are healthy.
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Systolic numbers between 120 and 129 mmHg with a diastolic pressure still below 80 mmHg signal that it’s time to take steps to improve your health.
- Hypertension Stage 1 and 2: Systolic between 130-139 mmHg or diastolic between 80-89 mmHg is stage 1; higher than that is stage 2, indicating more serious high blood pressure that might need medication.
- Hypertensive Crisis: If you see numbers over 180/120 mmHg, get medical help right away. High readings like these require urgent attention to prevent serious complications.
Staying aware of these categories helps you understand when to relax, when to tweak your habits, and when to seek help.
Why Is Keeping Blood Pressure in Check Important?
Now that you understand what blood pressure means and its ranges, let's talk about why managing it matters for more than just your heart. Staying on top of these numbers can have a ripple effect, touching everything from your mental sharpness to how well your clothes fit.
Let’s break down why this matters day to day:
Heart Health
Consistently high blood pressure means your heart is always working overtime. This can lead to complications like weakening of the heart muscle and potential heart failure. Keeping your blood pressure balanced gives your heart the break it needs to function without overexerting itself.
Kidney Health
Your kidneys are like the body's natural filtration system, and they need the right pressure to filter blood properly. Too much pressure can wear out this system, leading to kidney damage or worse. Managing blood pressure helps keep your kidneys performing their critical role effectively.
Brain Function
Think of a stroke as a brain attack where blood flow gets cut off. High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes, as it can lead to blood vessel damage in the brain. Regular checks and managing your blood pressure can dramatically reduce your stroke risk and keep your cognitive functions running smoothly.
Overall Longevity
Nobody wants to live life with limitations. High blood pressure can be a gateway to numerous health issues that can shorten your lifespan. By controlling your blood pressure, you're potentially adding years to your life. You’ll feel better and stay active longer, enjoying a higher quality of life.
Why Does Timing Matter for Blood Pressure Checks?
Wondering if there's a "best" time to check your blood pressure?
Here’s why the timing of your blood pressure checks can be as important as the reading itself:
Detecting Patterns
Blood pressure isn't static — it changes throughout the day, influenced by activity, stress, and even your body's position. Monitoring at different times can help you and your healthcare provider spot patterns or trends that could indicate underlying issues or show how well your current management strategies are working.
Managing Medication
For those on blood pressure medication, checking levels at the right time can indicate how effectively the medication controls blood pressure. Adjusting the timing of your checks around when you take your medicine can provide crucial feedback for dosing adjustments.
Avoiding Misdiagnosis
Some people experience higher blood pressure readings only in a clinical setting. Checking your blood pressure at home, away from the potential stress of a doctor’s office, can lead to more accurate readings and prevent misdiagnosis.
Setting Baselines
Knowing your normal blood pressure during various times of the day helps set a baseline, making it easier to notice when something is off. This is especially important for detecting early signs of hypertensive crisis or managing chronic conditions like heart disease.
When Is the Best Time to Check Your Blood Pressure?
Deciding when to check your blood pressure might feel like a bit of a guessing game, but it's actually pretty straightforward once you know what to look for. If you're just keeping an eye on your overall heart health, taking a reading in the morning before you've had breakfast or your morning coffee can give you a clean baseline. It's like checking the roads before rush hour starts.
For those managing hypertension with medications, testing right before your next dose can tell you how well your treatment works throughout the day. It's a good way to see if your blood pressure is staying on target.
If the doctor's office makes you nervous and spikes your blood pressure — a common scenario called white coat hypertension — measuring at home in a relaxed setting might give you a more accurate reading.
“For a more comprehensive assessment of your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM). This involves wearing a portable device that automatically records your blood pressure at regular intervals throughout the day and night,” notes Heidi Wright, Registered Nurse.
“After 24 hours, the device will be removed, and the collected data will be analyzed by your doctor. Your doctor will review your ABPM readings to assess your average blood pressure, identify any trends or fluctuations, and determine if any further action is needed. This information can help your doctor tailor a treatment plan that is most effective for you,” Wright highlights.
Still not sure when to grab that arm cuff? Talking to your doctor can help you create a monitoring schedule that suits your lifestyle and medical needs. Whether it's deciding on the best time of day or figuring out how often you should check, your healthcare professional can provide personalized advice to ensure you’re getting the most beneficial insights from your readings.
How Can You Support Healthy Blood Pressure?
While monitoring your blood pressure is one piece of the puzzle, maintaining it within a healthy range involves a bit more legwork.
Here are some practical tips to keep your readings in the green zone:
Embrace a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can make a big difference. Watch your salt intake, as it's directly linked to higher blood pressure. Spices and herbs can flavor your meals without extra sodium, helping keep your palate and readings happy.
Get Moving
Regular physical activity strengthens your heart, which means it doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every week, like walking or cycling. It’s not just good for your heart but your overall mood and energy levels, too.
“A study published in the February 2019 edition of "Hypertension" revealed that incorporating brief walking breaks into a sedentary workday can significantly improve blood pressure control. Participants who walked for just three minutes every 30 minutes during their eight-hour workday experienced more favorable blood pressure changes compared to those who remained seated throughout the day,” says Wright.
Sip on Functional Tea
Integrating herbal teas into your routine can also help manage blood pressure. Our Heart Functional Tea is crafted with nine naturally beneficial heart-healthy ingredients, offering a delicious way to support your cardiovascular health without caffeine.
Manage Stress
Stress can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure. Finding ways to relax and unwind, whether through meditation, yoga, or your favorite hobby, can help manage your stress and keep your blood pressure more stable.
Supplement Wisely
Sometimes, even the best diets need a little help. Our Turmeric Complete Plus CoQ10 Capsules are designed to support heart health with a potent blend of nutrients known for their beneficial effects on blood pressure and overall cardiovascular wellness.
Regular Checkups
Lastly, regular visits to your healthcare provider for a checkup ensure you’re not just feeling good but actually maintaining good health. They can provide personalized advice and catch potential issues early.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your blood pressure readings suddenly soar above normal levels, especially if they exceed 180/120 mm Hg, it's time to seek immediate medical help. This could indicate a hypertensive crisis, which requires urgent treatment to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
Also, if you experience symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or significant changes in vision alongside high readings, don't wait — get to a doctor or emergency room right away. Regular monitoring and knowing when to seek help can be lifesaving.
The Bottom Lime
The best time to check your blood pressure depends on your health needs and daily routine. Morning measurements can provide a baseline, while evening readings might capture the influence of your day's activities. For those managing conditions with medication, aligning checks with your treatment schedule is key.
At Herbaly, we encourage you to monitor your own blood pressure regularly, using accurate home monitoring tools to stay informed about your heart health. Embrace a lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and the soothing ritual of herbal teas to support your cardiovascular wellness holistically.
Sources:
What Is Blood Pressure? | Cleveland Clinic
High Blood Pressure and Older Adults | National Institute on Aging
Kidneys | Better Health Channel
High blood pressure (hypertension) - Symptoms & causes | Mayo Clinic
What Is White Coat Syndrome? | Cleveland Clinic
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings | American Heart Association | AHA