Why is it Important to Regularly Check Your Blood Pressure?

Why is it Important to Regularly Check Your Blood Pressure?

A blood pressure test determines whether your blood pressure is normal, high, or low. The force with which your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it is pushed throughout your body is referred to as blood pressure. Where can I check my blood pressure in Lisburn? To find out, continue reading.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not typically an issue, however, it might make some people feel light-headed and dizzy.

If untreated, high blood pressure (hypertension) can raise your risk of deadly conditions like heart attacks and strokes.

The only method to determine your blood pressure is to take this simple test, which might save your life.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

The majority of persons with high blood pressure show no symptoms at all. But when blood pressure reaches a particular point, the following symptoms appear:

– Blurry or double vision
– Nosebleeds
– Fatigue
– Shortness of breath
– Headache
– Nausea and/or vomiting
– Heart palpitations
– Lightheadedness/Fainting

When and where can I check my blood pressure?

If you are ever concerned about your blood pressure, you should get a blood pressure check.

Every five years, adults in England between the ages of 40 and 74 are eligible for an NHS Health Check, which includes this test.

You could require more regular blood pressure checks if you have been diagnosed with high or low blood pressure, or if you have a high risk of developing either.

There are several locations where you can get your blood pressure checked, including:

– Some pharmacies
– Your local GP surgery
– Some workplaces

How blood pressure is tested

Blood pressure was traditionally measured with a stethoscope, arm cuff, pump, and dial, but currently, automatic equipment with sensors and digital displays is frequently utilised. Although blood pressure machines differ, they are all a form of measurement equipment and frequently come with an arm cuff connected.

It’s ideal to sit down for at least five minutes prior to the test with your back supported and your legs uncrossed.

For the cuff to fit around your upper arm, you’ll typically need to roll up your sleeves or take off any long sleeves. Usually, the cuff is wrapped over your upper arm and inflated until it feels snug.

Although it can be uncomfortable, this only lasts a brief period of time. Since your blood pressure will be checked during this time, it’s crucial to relax and refrain from speaking.

The measurements from the arm cuff’s sensors are often picked up by an automatic system and relayed to a digital display. Typically, you can learn your results immediately, either from the medical practitioner doing the test or through the computerised display.

If your blood pressure is high, you could be advised to monitor it using a home blood pressure monitoring kit or a 24-hour (ambulatory) monitoring kit to be sure you have high blood pressure.

Ambulatory (24-hour) blood pressure monitoring

One blood pressure test result does not always indicate that you have high blood pressure.

Throughout the day, blood pressure might change. Your blood pressure may also increase if you are stressed or anxious when you go to the doctor.

You might be requested to take some readings using a 24-hour monitor, which continuously examines your blood pressure throughout the day if you have a high reading.

If your blood pressure is consistently high, this will confirm it. This is known as Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Why do I need to monitor and check my blood pressure in Lisburn at home?

Monitoring your blood pressure at home can:

– Help with early diagnosis. Self-monitoring can assist your doctor in detecting high blood pressure earlier than if you have infrequent monitoring at a clinic. Also, some people may have another problem like diabetes or kidney disease that could impact their blood pressure; therefore, home monitoring is especially crucial.
– Help in tracking your treatment. Regular blood pressure checks are the only method to determine whether lifestyle modifications or medicines are having the desired effect. Making decisions regarding your treatment, such as altering dosages or switching drugs, might be aided by home blood pressure monitoring.
– Encourage better control. Self-monitoring can help you feel more in charge of your health. You might feel more motivated to manage your blood pressure with a better diet, exercise, and medication use if you self-monitor.
– Reduce your health care costs. Self-monitoring could reduce the need for medical care.

Visit Grahame Pharmacy today to check your blood pressure in Lisburn for free.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Grahame Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.