Avoiding High Blood Pressure in Seniors
May has been designated as National High Blood Pressure Education Month. Sponsored by the CDC, a US government health organization, National High Blood Pressure Education Month raises awareness about the impact high blood pressure can have on health.
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure increases the risk of serious diseases and conditions such as heart disease, the most common form of death in the US, and stroke, the third leading cause. Other risk factors of high blood pressure include congestive heart failure & kidney disease, as well as contributing to dementia.
It is with this in mind that we present our latest guest blog from Ranndy Kellog, President and CEO of Omron Healthcare Inc., the #1 doctor and pharmacist-recommended brand in home blood pressure monitoring. Omron has long been at the forefront of educating people on the importance of blood pressure monitoring and the prevention of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: Vital Information
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is when your blood pressure (the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels) is consistently too high. According to experts at the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, nearly 103 million adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. That’s nearly half of American adults!! Often, there are no obvious symptoms of high blood pressure and left untreated, high blood pressure can be a significant contributing factor to heart attack and stroke.
Why should I monitor at home?
Interesting enough, heart attack and stroke can be prevented. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), says that 80% of heart disease and other cardiac events are preventable. That’s why Omron Healthcare has defined an important—and ambitious—mission: Going for Zero™, the elimination of Zero heart attack and stroke. With proper treatment and management, we can all control our blood pressure to live longer, healthier lives.
And because of that, Omron continues to introduce new technology to offer people of all lifestyles a blood pressure monitor that’s right for them. There are many features that we make to simplify the process:
- user-friendly interface
- large, easy-to-read readings
- portability
- irregular heart beat detectors
- even Bluetooth® Connectivity for those who want to store, track and send their data to loved ones and their doctor
Tips for monitoring blood pressure at home
When taking your blood pressure at home, there are some important tips to remember:
- Be still. Do not measure within 30 minutes of exercising, eating, smoking, drinking alcohol or bathing. Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes before taking a measurement.
- Sit properly. Your back should be straight and supported and your feet should be flat on the floor (do not cross your legs). Make sure the cuff is at heart level.
- Be consistent. Measure at the same time every day. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Many recommend taking it in the morning and in the evening.
- Record your readings. Many monitors have built-in memory to store your readings. Take it with you to your doctor appointments. If not, write your readings down to bring with you.
Is there anything else I can do?
Just modifying a few small behaviors in your lifestyle can significantly boost your health:
EXERCISE Be active. It’s the best way to a better heart.
DIET Eat right. Low-fat, low-sodium substitutes are the best medicine.
HABITS Kick the habits. Minimize your alcohol and cigarette intake.
STRESS Stifle the stress. Relax by doing things you enjoy.
PHYSICIAN Your doctor can help you create a healthy plan of action to follow.
Take charge of your heart health
Regular self-monitoring at home and knowing your numbers empowers you to take action. Being proactive and making behavior changes to lower your blood pressure helps lower your health risks. It all starts with a simple purchase of a blood pressure monitor. Omron has been helping patients be more proactive with their heart health for over 40 years. That could be why we’re the #1 doctor- and pharmacist-recommended brand in home blood pressure monitoring.
Thank you. And take care of your heart.
Ranndy Kellogg
President and CEO, Omron Healthcare, Inc.