Have you checked your blood pressure lately? Whether you exercise daily or get by with desk exercises and an occasional brisk walk, keeping track of your blood pressure is a must. Among the many measures adults can take to manage their health, monitoring blood pressure is something they can do without a healthcare provider. Keeping track of blood pressure provides valuable insights into cardiovascular health. It can also help you head off future issues. Here are a few more reasons why regular blood pressure checks are essential for your health.
Exploring Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is pretty much what it sounds like: the force exerted by blood circulating throughout the body’s blood vessels. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is not good for your health. It can lead to serious problems, such as strokes, kidney problems, and heart disease. High blood pressure is difficult to detect because it rarely demonstrates outward signs until it’s too late. Even people who seem healthy can suffer from high blood pressure. Hypertension’s nickname is “the silent killer,” though it’s only “silent” if you choose not to listen. Regular blood pressure checks may aid in early detection and management of the condition.
Why Do It So Often?
One of the primary reasons for regular blood pressure monitoring is that it helps you detect and hopefully avoid cardiovascular diseases, the number one cause of death across the world. By keeping track of your blood pressure, you can take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of heart disease through lifestyle changes and medication (if prescribed by doctors and other healthcare professionals).
Regular monitoring enables people to make good decisions for their health and wellness. For example, noticing a trend in rising blood pressure readings may be the warning you need to review your diet, exercise (or lack thereof), and stress levels. By identifying high blood pressure patterns early, you can implement changes that beget better health.
Blood Pressure Monitoring Devices
One of the great things about blood pressure monitoring is that it’s easy to do at home. Blood pressure monitoring devices have evolved to the point where literally anyone can get an accurate and immediate reading! Both home kits and wearable devices are available and allow people to take real-time blood pressure readings before, during, and after certain activities.
Charting changes in blood pressure helps you make decisions or deliver the readings to a doctor or other medical professional on your next wellness check.
Feeling the Pressure? Good!
Those are a few reasons why regular blood pressure checks are essential for your health. Remember that we all deal with blood pressure changes differently. Make a goal to take readings and set goals toward lowering high blood pressure through healthy eating, regularly exercising, and avoiding stressors. Whether you do it at home, the office, or the doctor’s office, make a commitment to “listen” to your heart!
