Blood Pressure Testing (Outside Of A Clinic/Hospital?)

[farang000999]

Hello, in the USA they have BP testers all over the place. some are free, others are not. Anyone know of any in Bangkok or must you go to a clinic?

Also, if someone is shown to have high BP after having taken a test, what is the process? Do they immediately start taking medication or should they first attempt life style changes and see if that lowers their BP?

[Satcommlee]

I have seen people go into pharmacies such as "boots" to have a free blood pressure check.

[lopburi3]

From my non medical background but personal experience believe the best place to test your blood pressure is at home when relaxed. That can make a bid difference for many people from the reading they may get in a supermarket or doctors office (white coat syndrome). As testing units are not expensive and do not consume more than slight battery power believe anyone with suspected issues would be well advised to buy one. Believe all hospitals and clinics test when you enter from my experience and most likely many would do free if you asked.

As to diagnosis it would likely take more than one reading to get a baseline and treatment should be done by a doctor and monitored as there are a number of avenues that can be taken. Lifestyle may be a starting point but many will require some form of medication; especially as we age.

As said above drug stores may also do but I would be very careful of any suggestions for medications made there - normal doctor visit is only about the price of a pizza so makes sense to have more experience advise and follow-up.

[FBN]

The management of a high BP depends on multiple factors; most important of which is how high it really is.

The first line management should always be the least invasive. In other words, lifestyle changes.