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High Blood Pressure: Invisible But Important
Blood pressure is not something that we may think about often--we get it measured at routine doctor appointments and check-ups, but it remains an abstract concept to many people. However, the health consequences of high blood pressure range from artery damage to aneurysm to heart failure. So it is important to get into the habit of checking one's blood pressure regularly, as a part of a good health and self-care routine.
It is important to remember that high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can remain undiagnosed for years, because either no symptoms are present, or the symptoms are mild, non-specific, and can be easily attributed to feeling "under the weather"--a dull headache, occasional dizziness, fatigue, or a few nosebleeds. Most people, even when they are suffering from dangerously high blood pressure, remain unaware of their condition until their blood pressure is measured.
Fortunately, high blood pressure is easy to measure and keep track of. According to the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, with systolic readings greater than 140 and diastolic readings are greater than 90, hypertension can be diagnosed. It is important to keep in mind that a single reading is not enough for a proper diagnosis. If there are indications of elevated blood pressure, a series of readings should be ordered by a doctor, as blood pressure can fluctuate on a daily basis due to a variety of personal and environmental factors, such as time of day, hormone levels, stress levels, nicotine and caffeine consumption, and the presence of other health problems.
The groups statistically most vulnerable to high blood pressure include men, once they reach early middle age, and women after menopause (although women taking estrogen-based birth control may be at an increased risk for elevated blood pressure, especially if they are over the age of 35 or smoke). But it is a good idea to get into the habit of asking your doctor to measure your blood pressure early in life, in your early twenties. Blood pressure should be measured at least every two years, but ideally readings will be taken at your annual check-up.
For people who are unable to regularly see a doctor, but are concerned about their blood pressure, there are opportunities to get free blood pressure readings at health fairs or during dedicated days at community clinics.
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Jason Saunders writes about a variety of health topics, including the importance of monitoring blood pressure. He advocates the use of BP monitors to continuously check one's health. He also encourages the use of commercial blood pressure machines, which can be found in many drug stores.
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