Blood pressure checks are an important indicator of cardiovascular health and aid in the early detection of various heart-related issues. 

High blood pressure(hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension affects one billion people worldwide. It is responsible for an estimated 7.5 million deaths annually, and 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition.[1][2] 

This blog will discuss how timely blood pressure checks can help reduce heart risks.   

What is blood pressure?  

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as it flows through them. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed as two numbers, systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number).[3] 

Systolic pressure: It represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood.  

Diastolic pressure: It represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.   

According to American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg, with higher readings indicating hypertension (high blood pressure) and lower readings indicating hypotension (low blood pressure).[4] 

What is hypertension?  

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the pressure in the blood vessels is too high, typically defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Hypertension is a silent killer as it often has no symptoms until it causes serious health problems.[5]  

Why is it important to have regular blood pressure checks?   

High blood pressure can cause damage to the heart, blood vessels, and other organs if left untreated. It increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and other health complications. Blood pressure checks can detect hypertension early, allow timely management and treatment, and motivate individuals to choose healthy lifestyles. By monitoring blood pressure regularly, individuals can identify changes in blood pressure levels and take appropriate action to lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, regular blood pressure checks are crucial in effectively identifying and managing hypertension.[6] 

Following are some reasons why it is important to have regular blood pressure checks: 

High blood pressure increases heart disease and stroke risk:   

High blood pressure can cause damage to the walls of blood vessels over time, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Managing blood pressure through regular checkups, lifestyle changes, and medication can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.[7]  

Hypertension often has no symptoms:   

Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms. Individuals may not be aware that they have high blood pressure until they have a health problem related to it. Regular blood pressure checks are essential to detect hypertension early before it causes serious health problems.[8] 

Regular checks allow for timely hypertension management:   

Regular blood pressure checks enable individuals to monitor their blood pressure levels and detect changes early. Early detection allows for the timely management and treatment of hypertension, including lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.   

Blood pressure checks monitor changes and allow for action:   

Blood pressure levels can fluctuate, and regular checks can help individuals monitor changes and take appropriate action to manage their blood pressure. This may include adjusting medication, making lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, reducing salt intake and maintaining a healthy diet.  

Regular checks motivate healthy lifestyle choices:   

Regular blood pressure checks can motivate individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress. These lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular checks can also help individuals track their progress and stay motivated to make healthy choices.  

Omron blood pressure monitors allow individuals to perform timely blood pressure checks at home. By monitoring blood pressure levels regularly with an Omron monitor, individuals can manage hypertension. Omron monitors provide accurate and reliable readings, aiding individuals in making informed decisions about their health and treatment options.   

Wrap-Up:  

Regular blood pressure checks are important to detect hypertension early and monitor changes in blood pressure levels. Managing blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medication can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, improving overall health and well-being.   

Reference: 

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.18192  
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension  
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17649-blood-pressure  
4. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings  
5. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings  
6. https://chrcsf.org/benefits-of-regular-blood-pressure-checks-to-prevent-stroke-and-heart-problems/  
7. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/measure.htm#:~:text=It’s%20important%20to%20get%20an,of%20security%20about%20your%20health.  
8. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/high-blood-pressure-understanding-silent-killer#:~:text=Often%20referred%20to%20as%20the,and%20stroke%2C%20among%20other%20things.