Why Is it Important to Measure One's Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure has been termed the “silent killer” because it often does not produce any noticeable symptoms. It is important to know your blood pressure; maintaining normal levels is good for overall health as well as for lowering your risk of serious complications.

Complications of high blood pressure

• High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, artery damage, aneurysm and trouble concentrating.

Risk factors

• If any of the following risk factors apply to you, you could have high blood pressure and you should get it checked out. Risk factors include being middle aged or older, being black, having a family history of high blood pressure, excess weight, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol use, excess sodium intake and too little potassium and vitamin D in the diet, and certain medical conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.

Where to get tested

• Your doctor can easily take your blood pressure, and this is probably the best way to go. Home-use blood pressure machines are available as well. Many pharmacies also offer free blood pressure machines.

Blood pressure ranges

• Normal blood pressure readings are 120/80 or lower. You have prehypertension if your top number is 120 to 139 and the bottom is from 80 to 89. You have high blood pressure if your top number ranges from 140 to 160 or higher and if the bottom ranges from 90 to 100 or higher.

Monitoring blood pressure

• The Mayo Clinic recommends you visit your doctor twice a year starting at age 20 to check your blood pressure.