What You Should Keep Track of if You Have High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the increased pressure of blood inside of the arteries as it circulates through the body. A measurement of 140/90 is considered high blood pressure. Tracking blood pressure and other measures is important to controlling and decreasing hypertension. Complications can include heart attacks, stroke and kidney failure.

Blood Pressure Levels

• Track your hypertension at home using a blood pressure monitor. Make sure to check your levels at the same time each day. Avoid smoking, eating or exercising 30 minutes prior to checking.

Accurate Blood Pressure Machine

• Make sure your at home blood pressure machine is taking accurate readings. Bring the machine with you on your next medical appointment to compare readings. Check your machine on a yearly basis, recommends The Mayo Clinic.

Activity Levels

• Keep a record of activities you are doing throughout the day and compare when blood pressure is abnormal. Record any other unusual symptoms. Bring your activity journal to doctor's appointments.

Diet and Exercise

• Track your diet---write down what foods you are eating. Limit sodium levels to less than 2,400 mg per day. Keep a record of physical activity you are involved in. Loosing weight is beneficial to overall body health and lowering high blood pressure.

Physical Health

• Continue to track your overall physical health by scheduling regular doctors appointments. High blood pressure can affect the body including the kidneys, thyroid gland and even the retina. Tracking overall health ensures the blood pressure is not causing additional complications.