Understanding your blood pressure could truly be a lifesaver. According to Philip Clay Haas, DO, a cardiologist at the Center for Advanced Cardiology – Greater Heights, blood pressure is one of the most important indicators of overall heart health.
Blood pressure is akin to a canary in a coal mine – an early indicator of danger.
“The higher the blood pressure, the more at risk you are for cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke,” said Haas, an assistant professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
When blood pressure is consistently high, the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions – such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke – rises significantly. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that heart disease and stroke are the two leading causes of death in the United States.
The good news? Regular blood pressure monitoring can help catch problems early, often before symptoms appear.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as your heart beats and rests. It’s recorded using two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure (top number): The pressure inside your blood vessels when your heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure (bottom number): The pressure in your blood vessels when your heart relaxes between beats.
“A healthy adult blood pressure reading is below 120/80,” Haas said.
Common risk factors for high blood pressure
Several lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, including:
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Too much alcohol
However, Haas emphasizes that even people who eat well and exercise regularly may still develop high blood pressure due to genetics.
“Just because you’re fit doesn’t mean you don’t need your blood pressure checked,” Haas said. “Without regular checkups, at least once a year, high blood pressure can go unnoticed and cause serious damage.”
Unchecked high blood pressure can lead to end-organ damage, affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. In severe cases, it can result in irreversible conditions like a heart attack or stroke.
When and how often should you check your blood pressure?
Starting at age 30, adults need to know their blood pressure profile through an annual wellness screen with a primary care physician. For those with additional risk factors, checking blood pressure at home is also strongly encouraged.
How to check your blood pressure at home
To get the most accurate reading at home, follow these tips:
- Sit quietly and rest for 10-15 minutes before checking.
- Keep both feet flat on the floor.
- Measure your blood pressure at the same time each day, if checking regularly.
When choosing a home blood pressure monitor, Haas recommends using an upper-arm cuff rather than a wrist cuff.
“Wrist cuffs tend to be less precise,” Haas said.
It’s also recommended to bring your home monitor to doctor appointments, so it can be compared with the clinic’s device.
“That’s often how we catch malfunctioning blood pressure cuffs,” Haas said.
How to get a free blood pressure check
If you don’t want to purchase a home monitor, many pharmacies offer free blood pressure stations.
“I can’t stress enough how important regular physical exams and screenings are,” Haas said.