How often to check blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

Fun fact: Did you know that giraffes have higher blood pressures than humans? That’s right, a giraffe can have a blood pressure as high as 280/180 mmHg!

Now let’s get back to us humans, how often should we check our blood pressure?

Who Should Get Their Blood Pressure Checked?

Blood pressure checks are recommended for:

  • Everyone over 18
  • Anyone who has been diagnosed with high or low blood pressure
  • Pregnant women
  • Those with diabetes or other chronic conditions

It never hurts to keep a tab on one’s health once in a while.

What Is Normal Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers – systolic and diastolic. The systolic number measures the amount of force your heart exerts when it beats, while diastolic measures the amount of force when your heart is resting between beats.

According to recent guidelines published by American Heart Association (AHA):

Category Systolic mmHg Diastolic mmHg
Normal <120 <80
Elevated 120-129 <80
Stage 1 hypertension 130-139 80-89
Stage 2 hypertension >=140 >=90

If you have any doubts regarding your BP levels please consult your doctor and follow their advice religiously!

When Should You Check Your Blood Pressure?

The answer varies depending on factors like age, medical history etc., but here’s what generally works:

At Home Monitoring

Home monitors can be helpful for people who need more frequent monitoring due to existing medical conditions. Plus its much cheaper than going to a doctor every now and then.

Pro tip: Always bring your home monitor to your doctor’s office. This helps ensure accuracy of measurements and so the results can be uploaded in their records electronically.

Scheduled Visits

Regular blood pressure checks allow you to stay on top of changes before it becomes serious enough!

  • For healthy adults: Once a year
  • For those with elevated BP or pre-hypertension: Every 6 months
  • For patients taking medication for hypertension, elderly people (>=60): Monthly

Fun fact: Did you know that World Hypertension Day is observed annually on May 17th? Use this day as an opportunity to educate others about the dangers of high blood pressure!

How Can You Check Your Blood Pressure?

Generally speaking you have three options:

  1. Home monitors

  2. Doctor’s clinic let them take care of it.

  3. Some pharmacies offer free machines where one could get their blood pressure checked regularly.

No matter what method is used, its important to keep track which works best for you!

What Factors Affect Blood Pressure Levels?

There are several factors that can cause your blood pressure levels to fluctuate throughout the day! Here are some common ones:

Food/Drinks consumption

Salty foods, alcohol etc., have been known to increase levels.

Physical Activity

Moderate physical activity like walking has shown decreased levels in persons over time whereas Heavy Exercise initially increases pulse rate but will eventually level out if done consistently

Stress/Emotions

Stressful situations or heightened emotions like anger & anxiety can often lead individuals towards increased Blood Pressure

With all these external factors our internal components also play just as much role such as:
– Aging causes arteries become less elastic which puts extra stress points.
– Genetics predisposition plays more than we give credit!

Wrapping It Up!

Checking your blood pressure frequently will help you keep tabs on your health and can detect problems early enough to allow intervention before it becomes serious!

Now you don’t need to tell anyone else how often to take their blood pressure, because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everybody is different so our frequency will differ as well!

In summary:
– Healthy adults needs once a year checkup.
– Those with elevated BP or pre-hypertension must go for checks-ups every 6 months.
– Patients taking medication for hypertension along with elderly people (>=60) should get checked monthly.

So make sure know your numbers and follow up religiously 😉

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