High Blood Pressure Articles

Health articles pertaining to the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of high blood pressure provide individuals with valuable proactive information for improving health and reducing health costs.

Hypertension is the abnormal elevation of pressure within the arteries of the body. It affects more than 65 million individuals in the United States and is one of the most important and preventable risk factors for heart disease, strokes and kidney disease. It is referred to as the silent killer because it usually is not associated with symptoms until has caused significant damage to the body.  

Despite the well-known dangers of elevated blood pressure, major shortcomings exist in the treatment and screening of patients with high blood pressure according to a study from the Stanford University School of Medicine. According to a federal survey conducted, blood pressure was measured in only 56 percent of all patient visits, and only 39 percent of patients who were treated had their blood pressure controlled at the recommended levels.

Home blood pressure monitoring is a proactive approach that can be undertaken to bridge the gap between blood pressure treatment and goals, and the gap between risk and prevention.  Home blood pressure monitoring can be a valuable tool in helping your doctor develop and pursue a treatment course.  

• The Benefits of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
  
  Home blood pressure monitoring provides a more reliable representation of one's true arterial pressure and is a better predictor of damage to the blood vessels and related organs caused by elevated pressure than in-the- office blood pressure measurements.
• What is Normal Blood Pressure
  
  Normal blood pressure is a reading of less than 120/80 but greater than 90/60. Hypertension is defined as a reading of 140/90 or greater, and hypotension is defined as a reading of 90/60 or less.
• How to Choose a Blood Pressure Monitor
  
  In choosing a blood pressure monitor the accuracy and reliability of the readings should be the primary emphasis with ease of use being a secondary but important concern.
• Reasons to Track Your Blood Pressure Readings during a Weight Loss Program
  
  A home blood pressure monitor is essential for virtually any weight loss program because the primary weight loss methods can have significant effects on blood pressure.