Famhealth spoke to Cardiologist, Dr AK Pancholia, HOD, Clinical and Preventive Cardiology, Arihant Hospital, Indore on different tests to measure high blood pressure

The 3 ways to diagnose and monitor blood pressure:

1. Office Blood Pressure – CBPM (Clinic Blood Pressure Measurement). This is when BP is monitored at the doctor’s clinic.
2. Home Blood Pressure Monitoring- HBPM, where the blood pressure is recorded at home. This is beneficial because the measurement is taken in a non-stressful and a home-friendly environment.
3. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring – a device affixed to your arm that records blood pressure every hour for 24 hours. This shows variability or fluctuations of the BP throughout the day/night and enables the doctor to understand active and passive periods. This is to plan the treatment (drug, dosage and timing) better

Of the above, all the latest hypertension management guidelines globally endorse home monitoring as most effective and is recognised for its importance.

He adds, medicines in isolation are limited in their efficacy without making critical lifestyle changes. It is imperative for patients to cut down on salt and saturated fats; increase vegetables and fruits in diet; exercise; avoid smoking and alcohol and manage stress levels.

Un-necessary” consumption of pain-killers, cough and cold remedies; anti-depressants  or oral contraceptive pills over a long time are the  main reasons and causes of uncontrolled and resistant hypertension.

Dr. AK Pancholia adds that it is advisable for patients to modify their lifestyle in consultation with their doctor (especially on the intensity of exercise. Vigorous exercise is harmful for uncontrolled/resistant hypertensives or those with heart diseases) .

Studies have shown that hypertension is the biggest risk factor for severe complications from COVID-19, thus prevention of this virus is most advisable.