Written by Glen Knocker
My Journey
Hello, my name is Glen Knocker, and I’m sharing my story to emphasize the significance of home monitoring of blood pressure. In 2019, I underwent triple bypass surgery after experiencing a severe health scare due to uncontrolled high blood pressure. For years, I knew I had high blood pressure, but I didn’t take enough steps to manage it. That was until I experienced chest heaviness and jaw pain, which led to my diagnosis and subsequent surgery.
I consider myself lucky to have survived, especially when many well-known Australians haven’t been as fortunate in recent years. My experience inspired me to make a difference and raise awareness about the importance of home monitoring of blood pressure.
Home monitoring offers numerous advantages, including:
- Early Detection: Regular monitoring helps identify blood pressure fluctuations, enabling early intervention and prevention of severe complications.
- Convenience: Measure your blood pressure in the comfort of your own home, any time.
- Frequency: Take readings as often as you like, to get a better understanding of your blood pressure patterns.
- Accuracy: Home monitors can help identify “white coat hypertension” (high blood pressure in a clinical setting) and provide more accurate readings.
- Cost-Effective: Reduce healthcare costs by reducing the need for frequent clinic visits.
- Improved Management: Take control of your condition and work with your healthcare provider to make informed decisions.
- Empowerment: Taking control of your health through home monitoring fosters a sense of responsibility and engagement.
Choosing the Right Monitor:
- Look for a monitor that has been validated for accuracy and reliability.
- Choose a monitor that is easy to use and has a comfortable cuff size.
- Consider a monitor with additional features, such as memory storage or Bluetooth connectivity.
Tips for Home Monitoring:
- Measure your blood pressure at the same time each day.
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes before taking a reading.
- Use the correct cuff size and position.
- Keep a log of your readings to track your progress.
- Share your results with your healthcare provider.
I created the MY Healthstyle APP to make home monitoring easier and more trustworthy, designing it with Australians’ sensitive data security in mind and ensuring it’s free from offshore data transfer, confusing language, and annoying ads. Now available in Apple and Google stores, the APP offers a user-friendly experience, enabling you to record blood pressure readings from any device manually, store data locally, track clear BP trends, and share data effortlessly with your healthcare provider. Give it a try, its Free!
Conclusion:
Home monitoring of blood pressure is a simple and effective way to take control of your health and detect any potential issues early on. By choosing the right monitor and following proper technique, you can ensure accurate readings and work with your healthcare provider to manage your condition effectively. Don’t wait until it’s too late, start monitoring your blood pressure at home today!
Thank you for reading my story, and I hope it inspires you to prioritise your health.
Note: Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new monitoring regimen especially if you feel unwell or showing signs of major heart attack or stroke.
Resources in Australia:
The Australian Government’s Department of Health provides resources and information on hypertension management visit Heart Health | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
The Stroke Foundation Australia offers guidance on home monitoring and blood pressure management visit https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/prevention-programs/abbpc
Your healthcare provider can also provide guidance and support.
