Blood brings nutrition and air to all the cells in our bodies. No wonder it is the most important measure of our health. Going to your doctor always starts with a blood pressure check. Other measures include what is carried with your blood. Nutrients, sugar, oxygen, repair and germ fighting cells – imagine how much you gain with an efficient circulatory system!
The single best thing you can do for yourself is to maintain the health of your circulatory system. Keeping your arteries and vessels clear with a tuned heart, will ensure you feel physically and mentally great.
Did you know that high blood pressure contributes to the highest causes of death, hospitalizations and medications in Canada? Uncontrolled high blood pressure leads to cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and stroke. One in five Canadians over 20 years old have high blood pressure. Nine in ten adults who live a normal lifespan will develop hypertension.
Regular monitoring can address problems early enough to treat easily and prevent irreversible damage to essential organs such as the kidney, liver and heart. Do not discount the damage that high blood pressure can do. We can’t feel or see the damage until it’s not reversible, so prevention of high blood pressure is the trick. Blood pressure can be well controlled before damage is done. Unfortunately, many of us check the air in the tires of our cars more frequently than our blood pressure. You can, and should, turn that around!
If you do have high blood pressure, preventing further damage requires daily medication and regular monitoring. It is small routine maintenance that will keep your body running well. See your doctor regularly to maintain your health and prevent decline. Your pharmacist can help you self-monitor blood pressure, take your medication properly, and review diet or lifestyle changes that can be easily managed.
Blood pressure monitoring at home, alerts you to changes early, and helps your doctor maintain your health. It’s a habit you want to get into. Home blood pressure machines are inexpensive, small and portable. It’s so important to monitor blood pressure that even wearable devices are starting to jump in. However, it is important to ensure you have an accurate measure of blood pressure – always verify the accuracy of your device. Your doctor and pharmacist can teach you how to do a proper blood pressure measurement. Hint: taking proper blood pressure is not something you do on the move.
Remember, self-monitoring can not replace regular visits to your physician, and your pharmacist is knowledgeable and always there for you.
