Don't rely solely on clinics; self-checking your blood pressure at home is also essential; it will help you find the right treatment.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Is your blood pressure high when measured in the hospital, but normal at home? This condition is called white coat hypertension. The Hope Asia Network, an international group of cardiologists, has issued new guidelines that give equal importance to clinical measurements, home measurements, and 24-hour monitoring. 

This guideline has been issued after research conducted in collaboration with institutions from 22 countries, which also includes King George Medical University (KGMU) of Lucknow. 

According to this study, 21.1 percent of people in India suffer from 'white coat hypertension', while 18.9 percent have 'masked hypertension' (i.e. normal in the clinic, high at home), which increases the risk of miscalculation of BP. 42 percent of patients are at risk of miscalculation, which increases the risk of brain stroke and heart problems.

Why is it important to measure VP at home

To accurately assess blood pressure, treatment should be decided based on data obtained from clinic, home, and 24-hour monitoring. Home measurement, morning and evening, for at least four days is essential. This helps in selecting the right medication.

The correct way to measure blood pressure

Sit quietly for five minutes before measuring. Sit upright in a chair, feet flat on the floor and not crossed. Keep your hands at heart level. Do not speak or move while measuring. Rolling up your sleeves can result in inaccurate results. For accuracy, measure twice, one or two minutes apart.

Using a 24-hour blood pressure monitor is crucial for blood pressure monitoring.  This approach will allow for more effective medication use and more effective health control.

Measures to control blood pressure

• Reduce salt in your daily diet. Avoid packaged foods. 
• Include fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, oats, millet, sorghum, kidney beans, gram, almonds, walnuts and salad in the diet.
• Try to walk briskly for 30 minutes every day, do yoga and pranayam. 
• Stay away from smoking, tobacco and alcohol. 
• Reduce stress and get enough sleep.

Misconceptions about blood pressure

• The notion that it only affects the elderly is false. Modern lifestyles, stress, and obesity are affecting young people in large numbers. 
• It's not a disease – extremely low blood pressure can also cause dizziness, weakness and fainting.  
• The medication can never be stopped— this is a myth. If a person reduces salt intake, exercises, practices breathing exercises, loses weight, and manages stress, blood pressure can stabilize enough for doctors to gradually reduce or even stop the medication altogether. 

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