Purpose of Proper Blood Pressure Measurement
Keeping an accurate record of your blood pressure measurement gives both your doctor and yourself a key tool in keeping you healthy. If your blood pressure measurements change suddenly, or if there is a steady but gradual increase in the readings, this may show the presence of a medical condition that needs to be addressed. By taking frequent blood pressure measurements, any change in your normal readings can be immediately acted upon, with additional testing to determine the cause of the problem. Additionally, blood pressure measurements may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of certain medications you may be taking.
Why Is It Important to Get My Blood Pressure Checked Regularly?
High blood pressure is often called a "silent killer" because very often there are no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Usually, the person is completely unaware of this condition until damage has been done to a major organ, like the heart or kidneys. By taking blood pressure measurements on a regular basis, you can keep tabs on this important condition, and seek medical care as soon as possible. There are many blood pressure kits that are available at your local pharmacy that are easy to use and accurate. You may take your blood pressure daily, and keep a chart of your readings to show your doctor at your next visit. Since blood pressure readings may fluctuate at different times of the day and during certain situations, a chart like this would be most helpful for your doctor to determine the overall picture of your blood pressure measurements.
Don't Be A Statistic!
There are about 72 million people in the United States who suffer from high blood pressure. That figure means that almost one in every three adults have high blood pressure. It's also estimated that more that half of these people do not have their high blood pressure adequately under control. It's this aspect that is most alarming. Untreated high blood pressure ultimately affects the entire body, damaging major organs and decreasing their ability to function at optimum levels of efficiency. This fact alone should encourage everyone to take frequent blood pressure measurements to catch this condition early. Statistics also show an increase in the death rate associated with high blood pressure. With the availability of blood pressure kits you can easily use at home, and with the advances in medicine that can control this condition, there is really no reason for this trend to continue. By knowing your blood pressure measurements, you won't end up as a statistic; instead, you will be both a knowledgeable and healthier person.
