What are the standard Blood Pressure Classifications?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) jointly developed the following blood pressure classification. This classification, however, this is only a general guideline because your optimum blood pressure depends on your age, morbidity, and treatment strategy by a physician. Consult your physician to determine your optimum blood pressure.

What is White Coat Hypertension?
White coat hypertension is defined as an increased blood pressure measurement that results from various influences in the professional environment, for example patient anxiety.

What is the accuracy of Omron?s Blood Pressure Monitors?
All models of Omron?s blood pressure monitors are clinically proven accurate. Pressure is plus or minus three millimeters of mercury or two percent of reading. Pulse is plus or minus five percent of reading. This meets or exceeds the AAMI standards. AAMI is the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.

What is the cause of the EE Error Indicator?
The most common error symbol that appears on the display panel is a EE with a down arrow and two numerals. The reason for the EE Error Indicator is generally caused because the cuff has been wrapped too loose. The cuff was under-inflated during the measurement. This error will also display if the cuff is worn and needs to be replaced. The EE symbol with a down arrow indicates the cuff is over-inflated. In most instances the cuff has been wrapped too tight or you are using the incorrect cuff size. Turn the monitor off. Read the instructions to correctly apply the cuff. Wait five to ten minutes then take another measurement. Error indicators vary by model number. Symbols that display on your model are printed in the instruction manual with the steps to correct the problem.

What method of blood pressure measurement is used in Omron Blood Pressure Monitors?
Omron digital blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement. This means the monitor detects your blood?s movement through your brachial artery and converts the movements into a digital reading. An oscillometric monitor does not need a stethoscope so the monitor is simple to use.

What should I do before taking a measurement?
Make sure you always follow these steps before taking a measurement. For at least 30 minutes prior to taking your measurement do not eat, smoke or exercise. Rest comfortably in a relaxed environment for at least 15 minutes prior to taking your measurement. Don't take a measurement after physical activities or during stressful times. Take the measurement in a quiet place.

Why is a wait time needed between measurements?
Taking a blood pressure measurement constricts the arteries. Waiting between readings allows the arteries to return to the condition prior to taking the blood pressure measurement. We generally recommend you wait five minutes between readings. You may need to increase the wait time depending on your individual physical characteristics.

Why is it important to monitor my blood pressure at home?
Doctors, diabetes educators, physician assistants, nurses and other healthcare professionals recommend home blood pressure monitoring for various reasons, including the ability to:
· Be constantly aware of a vital indicator about your overall health.
· Provide your doctor with information to better understand and manage your high blood pressure.
· See how you are responding to medication

Many types of hypertension can only be detected by monitoring your blood pressure at home, including:
· White-coat Hypertension: blood pressure reading is high in doctor's office but lower at home
· Masked Hypertension: blood pressure reading is low in doctor's office but higher at home
· Morning Hypertension: a sharp increase in blood pressure in the morning. Recent research has shown a significant link of morning hypertension to stroke.

Additionally, many factors can affect your blood pressure, including physical exertion, emotional fluctuations, medications and stress, so having your blood pressure monitored at a pharmacy with an in-store device after you have been shopping or walking around might not provide you with the most accurate measurement.

Monitoring your blood pressure at home allows you to more easily get to a relaxed state and the flexibility to take your measurements at various times during the day. By keeping track of your home blood pressure readings, you can provide your healthcare professional with a log of blood pressure measurements over time, which can help them evaluate the effective.

Do I need to register my product to validate the product warranty?
We request you register your product purchase. To register your product purchase complete the warranty card enclosed in the box or register on-line. Registration cards are not included with all models. You must register your product within 10 days of the purchase date or provide the proof of purchase with your unit for warranty services. We recommend you always save the proof of purchase to validate your warranty. Simply tape or staple the purchase receipt in the front page of your instruction manual for safekeeping.

How do I clean and protect my Omron Blood Pressure monitor from damage and keep it in the best working condition?
Wipe the casing of the monitor clean using a soft dry cloth. Never use any abrasive type cleaners or submerge the monitor or any of the components in water. The cuff cannot be cleaned. After each use never fold the cuff or the tubing tightly. Store the monitor in a safe, dry location. Do not subject the unit to extreme hot or cold temperatures, humidity or direct sunlight. Be careful not to subject the monitor to any strong shocks such as dropping the unit on the floor. You should remove the batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period of time. Always operate the unit following the directions provided in the instruction manual. Use only authorized Omron parts and accessories.

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Informative information from The American Heart Association:

Checklist for losing weight

Checklist for lowering your sodium Intake

A series of downloadable, educational-based patient literature

Other helpful information:
Blood Pressure 101

Hypertension 101
Hypertension 101 in spanish

Blood Pressure log

Helpful Blood Pressure Reminders:
Have your blood pressure checked by your doctor.
If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor?s advice about changing your diet and lifestyle habits.
If your doctor has prescribed medication for your high blood pressure, it is very important to take it regularly. If you have any new symptoms, call your doctor.
Measure and record your blood pressure at home regularly. This information may be valuable to your doctor in evaluating your condition.
Cooperate. You and your doctor must work together in order to keep your blood pressure and your diabetes under control.

Understanding why high blood pressure is a problem:
Generally, normotension (normal blood pressure) is defined as less than 130mmHg for systolic value (SBP) and less than 85mmHg for diastolic value (DBP). The higher the blood pressure, the more load on the blood vessels, and this can damage the vessels. In the worst case, blood vessel walls can develop holes causing internal bleeding. When this happens in the brain, it is called a stroke. In addition, high blood pressure increases the myocardial workload so that the heart must work harder to maintain adequate blood flow to the body. This causes ischemic heart disease (IHD) such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and angina. People with hypertension have the increased risk of suffering from of having a stroke. Conversely, It is also known that those with normal blood pressure have a lesser risk of ischemic heart disease (myocardial infarction and angina) and stroke. Thus, it can be concluded that keeping blood pressure within a normal range to prevent these occurrences is of the utmost importance.