How to Get an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. The top number (systolic) indicates the maximum pressure the heart exerts while beating. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure in the arteries between beats. Physicians consider a difference of more than 40 mm Hg between the two abnormal (this is called pulse pressure).

Factors That Affect Blood Pressure Readings

Stress and anxiety. A stressful situation can cause a dramatic, temporary spike in your blood pressure. A single incident is not cause for alarm; however, if this happens frequently, it can damage your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys. Stress can also cause you to engage in behavior that may further damage your heart, such as smoking or drinking.

The season. Blood pressure tends to be higher in the winter because low temperatures cause your blood vessels to narrow so you need more force to push the blood through your body.  

Alcohol. Drinking three or more drinks at once may cause a temporary uptick in blood pressure. Over time, excessive drinking may cause a long-term increase.

Daily patterns. Your blood pressure is usually lower while you sleep and shortly after waking, then rises throughout the day, peaking in mid-afternoon.

Caffeine. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can also cause a short but dramatic increase in your blood pressure.

Measurement errors. Your blood pressure measuring device may not be working properly, or you (or your healthcare provider) may not take your blood pressure correctly, which can cause a false high reading. Even something as innocuous as a tight belt can affect your reading.

If you experience a high blood pressure reading, try again later. Take a walk or practice slow, deep breathing so you're calm before you try again. Drinking water and avoiding certain foods, such as dark chocolate, garlic, and bananas beforehand may help ensure an accurate reading. If you continue to get high readings and you've ruled out outside factors as possible culprits, then see your physician. You can make simple lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure, or if appropriate, seek medical care.

Sources:

Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D. "High blood pressure." Mayo Clinic. Web. 26 August 2011.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/white-coat-hypertension/AN02014

Mayo Clinic. "High blood pressure." Web. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-pressure/AN01786

Ray, Claiborne. "Pressure Problems." New York Times. Web. 13 December 2010.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/14/science/14qna.html

Apple Cider Vinegar: Is It a Super Tonic?

Used as a salad dressing, apple cider vinegar could also be used as a natural remedy to help ease a sore throat, relieve sinus congestion, calm intestinal troubles, and rid your scalp of dandruff. Also, if you have diabetes, apple cider vinegar could even help keep your blood sugar balanced.

Although cider vinegar has not been subjected to a great deal of scientific investigation, many documented personal anecdotes and clinical reports seem to confirm what advocates of natural folk medicine have been saying for centuries about its curative powers.

If you want to test the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for any of the following conditions, use these formulas as guides:

• Sore throat. Gargle with a small amount of slightly diluted apple cider vinegar sprinkled with a pinch of hot (cayenne) pepper.

• Cold and cough. According to Penny C. Royal, author of Herbally Yours, homemade cough syrup made with apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices can help soothe a persistent cough. Combine 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and cayenne pepper, two tablespoons of water, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Cover and refrigerate the mixture until ready to use, then take one teaspoon at a time.

• Dandruff. After shampooing, rinse your hair with a combination of one part cider vinegar to three parts water, or two tablespoons of vinegar diluted in six tablespoons (or 1/3 cup plus one teaspoon) of water.

• Diarrhea. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and stir in a tablespoon of honey.

• Food Poisoning. Apple cider vinegar's antimicrobial properties may help offset gastrointestinal symptoms associated with food poisoning, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They recommend adding two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water, and drinking this combination several times a day.

Other Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar

Besides treating minor medical disorders, diluted apple cider vinegar will clean hard surfaces around your house such as kitchen counters and appliances.

Try dabbing a little under your arms for natural odor protection. Vinegar alters the pH of your skin, which discourages the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

As a home remedy, apple cider vinegar may help soothe the symptoms of many common ailments, but it is never a substitute for professional medical care. If your symptoms persist, or if you have a fever or a serious medical condition, speak to your doctor.

Also, too much apple cider vinegar over time can lower your blood potassium levels and increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. If you regularly swallow straight cider vinegar for any reason, Harvard University's Dr. Richard Lee recommends that you rinse your mouth with plain water to preserve the enamel on your teeth.

---

Sources:

The Campus Barber/Duke University: Dandruff
http://www.duke.edu/~papabell/cbarber/faqs_dandruff.htm

Hlebowicz, J, et al.; "Efect of Apple Cider Vnegar on Delayed Gastric Emptying in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study."  Gastroenterology 2007; 7:46. Web.  7 Nov 11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2245945/?tool=pubmed

Lee, R. "Is Vinegar Good for the Arteries?" Harvard Health Publications.  Web. 7 Nov 11.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/lower-back-pain-yoga-therapy-can-help

McMillen, B. "Home Remedy for a Cough." University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Bradfor, PA  (Royal, Penny C. "Herbally Yours" 1982; Sound Nutrition) Web. 7 Nov 11.
http://www.pitt.edu/~cjm6/sp99cough.html

University of Maryland Medical Center
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/food-poisoning-000064.htm