As you age, blood pressure management is very important as high blood pressure is a major contributor to stroke, heart failure and heart attacks. To avoid these complications, be consistent in checking your blood pressure as well as sticking to a blood pressure management plan. This is a crucial step because measuring blood pressure is a good indicator of overall health. Measuring blood pressure is necessary to:
- Diagnose people with high blood pressure
- Determine the severity of high blood pressure
- Determine a treatment plan for blood pressure management
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a current treatment plan
You should adopt the following habits to be diligent about managing your blood pressure. A blood pressure management plan is good to have on hand so that you can assess yourself regularly and consult a health professional whenever something seems wrong.
Have A Blood Pressure Monitor
Having a home blood pressure monitor and learning to use it is essential to monitoring your blood pressure levels. By keeping one on hand, you can check on your blood pressure consistently. You can also gain a better understanding of your blood pressure levels by checking how different activities influence it. You will also be able to realize if there are sudden discrepancies in your blood pressure levels and take immediate action.
Check Your Blood Pressure Twice Daily
Make sure to check your blood pressure frequently and consistently. This is so that you know what your normal blood pressure level is, and that the level is being maintained. If you are adopting new habits and trying to bring your blood pressure down, monitoring your blood pressure daily is also necessary to gauge the effectiveness of your plan.
Know Your Current Medications
Be aware of what medications you are currently on. Make a list and place it somewhere you can easily see if you need to be reminded. It is important to keep track of what medications you are currently using for your doctor to evaluate their effectiveness on your blood pressure. You can also report any side effects or changes you experience while on your medication.
Make Lifestyle Adjustments
Be willing to make lifestyle adjustments around your blood pressure. Certain dietary changes or increased exercise in your routine could be complementary to managing your blood pressure via medication. It is important to remember that healthcare is a holistic process, and this applies to blood pressure management as well. Whether it is having healthy and delicious meals or choosing to remain active by participating in activities, it is good to be open to new lifestyle habits.
Consult Your Doctor
Finally, be sure to consult your doctor before making any changes. It is important to consult a medical professional before making any changes to medication, lifestyle changes or your blood pressure management plan. Your doctor understands your health and how the body works and is in the best position to give you recommendations. While you have to be diligent in taking care of your own health, part of this diligence means knowing when to ask for professional advice.
