Written by KURA Writer- Rylee Nelson
Prioritizing cardiovascular health involves understanding and monitoring your blood pressure. As we age, the chances of high blood pressure increase and we may or may not display symptoms. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and more if left untreated (NIA, 2022). Therefore, it’s crucial to get your blood pressure checked by your doctor, follow their treatments, monitor your blood pressure at home, and live a heart-healthy lifestyle.
You can check your blood pressure at home by yourself or by a caregiver using an at-home blood pressure monitor. It’s good to monitor blood pressure at home to manage hypertension and effectively help with early detection for earlier intervention. In addition, you can keep track of your blood pressure readings by logging them in an online or paper diary to show to your doctor.
Living a heart-healthy lifestyle includes controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress (Medline Plus, 2015). Proactive steps to start taking control of your blood pressure include scheduling an appointment with your doctor to discuss your blood pressure and heart health, starting a blood pressure diary, or making a manageable exercise routine for you.
References:
National Institute on Aging. (2022, October 1). High blood pressure and older adults. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure-and-older-adults#:~:text=If%20high%20blood%20pressure%20isn,eye%20problems%2C%20and%20kidney%20disease
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2015, March 25). Heart disease prevention. MedlinePlus. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/howtopreventheartdisease.html
