Today with Claire Byrne

Dr Paddy Barrett: Reducing your blood pressure

9 snips
Jun 27, 2025
Dr. Paddy Barrett, a preventative cardiologist at Blackrock Clinic, shares his expertise on managing high blood pressure. He discusses the significance of consistent home monitoring for accurate readings and combats common issues like white coat syndrome. Barrett highlights the importance of knowing both systolic and diastolic numbers and delves into the risks of elevated blood pressure. He emphasizes lifestyle changes, including weight loss and exercise, as effective management strategies to reduce health risks without immediately resorting to medications.
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INSIGHT

What is High Blood Pressure?

  • High blood pressure damages artery walls and vital organs over many years.
  • Continuous high pressure can lead to serious problems including heart attack, stroke, dementia, and kidney disease.
ADVICE

Measure Blood Pressure at Home

  • Single blood pressure readings at the doctor's office are often unreliable.
  • Measure blood pressure at home over several days for accurate data.
ADVICE

How to Take Blood Pressure at Home

  • Use an upper arm monitor and sit relaxed with back supported to measure blood pressure.
  • Take three readings after waking, ignore the first, average the next two, repeat for 10 days, then average those.
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