Titus Regional Medical Center offers ambulatory, outpatient blood pressure monitoring. The blood pressure monitor is a small device that can be worn under clothing, attached in the conventional noninvasive manner. The device is then able to document changes in your blood pressure as you go about your daily activities at home or work, and also while you sleep. Blood pressure is expressed as a systolic blood pressure and a diastolic or resting blood pressure. The top number is the systolic, while the bottom number is the diastolic. High blood pressure is defined as a consistent systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. It is often symptomless and is thus commonly referred to as the "silent killer". According to guidelines from the American Heart Association, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring can identify people with hypertension whose blood pressure stays high throughout the night, when normal levels are about 15 millimeters of mercury lower than during the day. Increasing evidence shows that blood pressure that does not dip at night may be associated with higher cardiovascular risk.
To find out more about ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, please call 903.577.6563.
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