High Blood Pressure Management Clinic in El Cajon, CA

Blood pressure is given as two figures, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure. The first one, systolic pressure is the pressure of the blood pushed away from the heart. The second one, diastolic pressure is the pressure measured between heartbeats.

Blood pressure is given as the combination of the two and is read with the systolic pressure first as being over the diastolic pressure. The numbers that would be given for example would be something like 125 over 90.

Ideally, you would want your blood pressure to be 120 over 80 as this is considered to be normal.

Yes, you can. Your doctor may want you to check your blood pressure at home to get a better idea of whether you have high blood pressure or not. Checking at home can be important in getting the right diagnosis if you do have high blood pressure.

Blood pressure monitors to be used at home are readily available and are generally inexpensive. You will want to make sure that the device is validated and that the cuff fits properly. You may also want to take it to your doctor to have checked for accuracy, once a year.

Devices that take measurements at the finger or wrist are not recommended by the American Heart Association, as they provide less reliable readings.

Blood pressure that is considered to be normal will vary with age. Normal ranges are as follows:

Newborn to 6 months – 45-90 over 30-65
6 months to 2 years-80 – 100 over 40-70
Children 2 to 13 years – 80-120 over 40-80
Adolescents 14-18 years – 90-120 over 50-80
Young adults 19-40 years – 90-135 over 60-80
Adults 41-60 years – 110-145 over 70-90
Older adults 61+ – 95-145 over 70-90

Taking your blood pressure at home can be valuable in determining whether your blood pressure is normal or not. There are some things that you can do to get a more accurate reading when you are measuring your blood pressure.

Before you take your reading, find a quiet place. Make sure that you have the right-sized cuff. Roll up your sleeve, preferably on the left arm. Rest in a chair for about 5 to 10 minutes, preferably next to a table to rest your arm. Sit up straight with your legs not crossed. Rest your forearm on the arm of the chair or on the table with your palm facing up. You shouldn’t talk, watch television or read a newspaper while you are measuring your blood pressure.

Be sure to follow the directions for the monitor to get the most accurate reading.

High blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels and organs. The longer this is left untreated the greater the damage that can happen.

High blood pressure can lead to:

– Heart attack
– Aneurysm
– Heart failure
– Weakened, narrowed blood vessels in the kidneys
– Thickened, torn, narrowed blood vessels in the eyes.
– Metabolic syndrome
– Memory trouble or problems understanding
– Dementia

The medical staff at East County Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic can diagnose and treat high blood pressure. you can either walk in or call and check in online. We are conveniently located at 1625 E. Main St., #100, El Cajon, CA 92021. We serve patients from El Cajon CA, Hillsdale CA, Alpine CA, Wells Park CA, Rancho San Diego CA, Santee CA, and Jamul CA.