Disconnecting the AC adapter from the monitor: 1. Turn the unit off by pressing the START button. 2. Disconnect the plug from the jack of the monitor quickly. 3. Gently remove the AC adapter from the outlet. NOTE: If monitor has batteries and an AC adapter connected, the measurements stored in memory will be lost if AC adapter is unplugged from the wall first. To ensure that measurements remain in memory, make sure the unit is off and that the jack plugged into the monitor is removed quickly before unplugging adapter from the wall. Jack AC Adapter Plug ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE What Is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts; diastolic pressure occurs when the heart expands. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). What Affects Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is affected by many factors: age, weight, time of day, activity level, climate, altitude and season. Certain activities can significantly alter one’s blood pressure. Walking can raise systolic pressure by 12 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 5.5 mmHg. Sleeping can decrease systolic blood pressure by as much as 10 mmHg. Taking your blood pressure repeatedly without waiting an interval of 5 minutes between readings, or without raising your arm to allow blood to flow back to the heart, can also affect it. In addition to these factors, beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, certain medications, emotional stress and even tight-fitting clothes can make a difference in the readings. What Causes Variations In Blood Pressure? An individual’s blood pressure varies greatly from day to day and season to season. For hypersensitive individuals, these variations are even more pronounced. Normally, blood pressure rises during work or play and falls to its lowest levels during sleep. ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE Assessing High Blood Pressure for Adults The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without regard to age or gender) have been established as a guideline. Please note that other risk factors (e.g. diabetes, obesity, smoking, etc.) need to be taken into consideration and may affect these figures. Consult with your physician for an accurate assessment. JNC7 Classification Table – for adults within the U.S. SOURCE: The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure for Adults. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute - May 2003. BP Classification Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg) Normal < 120 and < 80 Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89 Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99 Stage 2 Hypertension . 160 or . 100 WHO Classification Table - for adults outside of the U.S. (e.g. Canada, Mexico) BP Classification Systolic (mmHg) Diastolic (mmHg) Optimal < 120 and < 80 Normal < 130 or < 85 High-Normal 130-139 or 85-89 Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 or 90-99 Stage 2 Hypertension 160-179 or 100-109 Stage 3 Hypertension . 180 or . 110 SOURCE: Standards to assess high blood pressure, without regard to age or gender, have been established by the World Health Organization (WHO). ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE What Is Hypertension? Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the diagnosis given when readings consistently rise above normal. It is well known that hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack or other illness if left untreated. Referred to as a “silent killer” because it does not always produce symptoms that alert you to the problem, hypertension is treatable when diagnosed early. Can Hypertension Be Controlled? In many individuals, hypertension can be controlled by altering lifestyle and minimizing stress, and by appropriate medication prescribed and monitored by your doctor. The American Heart Association recommends the following lifestyle suggestions to prevent or control hypertension: Don’t smoke. Have regular physical checkups Reduce salt and fat intake. Maintain proper weight. Monitor your blood Exercise routinely. pressure at periodic intervals. Why Measure Blood Pressure at Home? It is now well known that, for many individuals, blood pressure readings taken in a doctor’s office or hospital setting might be elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is commonly called “white coat hypertension.” In any case, self-measurement at home supplements your doctor’s readings and provides a more accurate, complete blood pressure history. In addition, clinical studies have shown that the detection and treatment of hypertension is improved when patients both consult their physicians and monitor their own blood pressure at home. ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE Answers to Why Your Readings Are Different Between Home and at the Doctor’s Office Why are my readings different between home and at a doctor’s office? Your blood pressure readings taken in a doctor’s office or hospital setting may be elevated as a result of apprehension and anxiety. This response is known as white coat hypertension. When I...