Home matters
Blood pressure readings normally fluctuate throughout the day. Many things can temporarily affect your blood pressure, and readings taken at home may be different from readings taken in the healthcare professional's (HCP's) office. It's important to keep track of your blood pressure regularly at home and share your readings with your HCP.
If you don't already have one, you can get a rebate on a new blood pressure monitor (up to $40 value)* when you join the BP Success Zone Program. Here are some tips to help ensure accurate blood pressure readings:
- Make sure the cuff of your blood pressure monitor fits properly. Choose a monitor that comes with a cuff the correct size.
- Don't exercise, smoke, or drink coffee, soda, tea, or any drink with caffeine within 30 minutes before you take a reading.
- Go to the bathroom before taking your reading. A full bladder can slighty affect your numbers.
- Sit in a chair with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor. Place your arm on a table so that your arm is level with your heart.
- Take two readings, one minute apart, and record the results.
To average your results, add your blood pressure numbers together and divide by two. For example, if your readings were:
- Reading 1: 140/90 mm Hg
- Reading 2: 136/88 mm Hg
Add the top two numbers: 140 + 136 = 276
Divide the results by 2: 276 ÷ 2 = 138 mm Hg
Add the bottom two numbers: 90 + 88 = 178
Divide the results by 2: 178 ÷ 2 = 89 mm Hg
Your average blood pressure in this example would be 138/89 mm Hg.
*Limitations apply. This offer is not valid for patients reimbursed by federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, the Department of Veterans Affairs, state maternal and child health block grant programs under 42 U.S.C. section 701 et seq., state social services block grant programs under 42 U.S.C. section 1397 et seq., or any other similar federal or state healthcare program; or for patients in MA; or purchased outside the US and Puerto Rico. Void where prohibited by law, taxed, or restricted. See Terms & Conditions. If your pharmacist or cashier has questions about processing your savings, please refer them to the toll-free number on the back of the Savings & Membership Card. The BP Success Zone Program Savings & Membership Card is the property of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Therapy First and must be returned upon request. Both parties reserve the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this offer without notice. This offer will expire on December 31, 2010. Limit one offer per patient. Patient is responsible for reporting receipt of Program rewards to any private insurer that pays for or reimburses you for any part of the prescriptions filled with this Program.
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