The Importance of Monitoring Blood Pressure

by | Sep 2, 2021 | Blood Pressure, Exercise

Did you know that high blood pressure affects nearly half of the United States adult population and is the fifth leading cause of death? If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure puts adults at risk of multiple heart problems such as heart disease and stroke. That being said, it’s important to monitor your blood pressure levels on a regular basis. The ideal blood pressure range should be below 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Anything above 130/80 mmHg is considered hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Fortunately, modern technology now allows you to easily monitor your own blood pressure from the comfort of your home. At-home blood pressure monitors can be found at almost any drug or retail stores such as Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, or Target. The price range for a digital blood pressure monitor can vary anywhere between $25-$100 depending on your requirements. According to Wirecutter, here is a list of the best blood pressure monitors to use at home.

Now that you know the importance of monitoring and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, you may be wondering what you can do to lower your blood pressure. Depending on the severity of your blood pressure levels, your physician might put you on blood pressure medicine. However, there are a couple lifestyle changes you can make to help manage high blood pressure. I’m sure you’ve heard it a thousand times before, but regular exercise does wonder for your heart health. Even simple physical activities, such as walking for 30 minutes a day, can make the biggest difference in your blood pressure. You should also monitor your salt intake to make sure you’re consuming no more than the recommended 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Try incorporating more whole foods into your diet and season your food with herbs and spices instead of extra salt. Make sure you consult with your doctor before making any lifestyle or dietary changes to decide what’s best for you.

Sources:

Jennings, K.-A. (2020, July 26). 15 natural ways to lower your blood pressure. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318716.  Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, November 19). How high blood pressure can affect your body. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868.   Spader, C. (2021, April 2). Blood Pressure Monitoring. Healthgrades. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/high-blood-pressure/blood-pressure-monitoring. 

United Health Foundation. Explore High Blood Pressure in the United States. America’s HealthRatings. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/measure/Hypertension/state/ALL.