It is a simple gesture but it must be done correctly to avoid errors.
15 million French people are hypertensive and 5 million ignore it. High blood pressure corresponds to too strong blood pressure in the arteries. “This excessive pressure is dangerous because it tires the heart, creates serious lesions in the walls of the arteries and causes cardiovascular accidents”explains the French Cardiology Federation. In the long term, hypertension increases the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke (stroke) and renal failure. The tension must be measured at least once a year at the doctor from 40 years old, even without health problems. When hypertension is confirmed, the doctor may ask the patient to measure his tension at home via a self -measurement device.
The blood pressure varies naturally throughout the day. A single measure taken from the doctor may not reflect reality. It also depends on the state of fatigue, stress or emotivity of the moment. The self -measurement makes it possible to obtain a more reliable analysis of the tension. In case of antihypertensive treatment, it allows you to adjust the dosage if necessary. Measuring or “tensiometers” devices are available in pharmacies. But beware, if the self -measurement has many advantages and promotes the patient’s autonomy, it must be practiced correctly.
Before each visit to the cardiologist or the attending physician, the tension must be measured by respecting the rule of “3-3-3” recommends the French Cardiology Federation. It is the most reliable. “Measure your blood pressure in peace 3 days in a row, 3 times in a row in the morning (2 minutes apart, editor’s note), 3 times in a row in the evening, or 18 measurements, each time on the same arm”recommend specialists. The values must be noted on a notebook. The average of the 18 measurements must be less than 135/85. You should neither smoke, drink coffee nor make physical effort before the measurement. Nor should you take medication for tension before the measurement. And above all, do not speak during the measurement. The tension is taken in a sitting position, after 5 minutes of calm, the arm laid at the heart of the heart.
Be careful not to abuse self -mode. If you are anxious, the results can be distorted. Same thing if the tension is taken in the middle of the day, after an effort or an annoyance. It is also important not to multiply the measures unnecessarily: focusing on the figures can generate excessive stress and lead to wrongly interpreting normal and abnormal variations. Too many measures can also mislead, or even cause unjustified treatment adjustments. We must be satisfied with the measures of the 3 days preceding the consultation.
