Your blood pressure is an important vital sign used by medical professionals to manage your health. If it goes unmonitored, you could be at risk of developing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is essential to check your blood pressure regularly an accurately to ensure an accurate reading.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood on the walls of the blood vessels. If the amount of force is above and beyond what health professionals consider normal, then you are identified as having high blood pressure. This condition can lead to several health problems including heart disease. You are also at a higher risk of having a stroke or heart attack with high blood pressure.
High blood pressure usually has no obvious symptoms and can go unnoticed for years. Symptoms of hypertension include fatigue, headaches, chest pain, confusion, or pounding in your neck, ears or chest.
Several factors can cause high blood pressure including stress, diet, and lack of exercise. In some cases, it is hereditary and may only be lowered with medication.
Heart attacks and stroke can happen at any time. Seek medical attention if any of these signs appear suddenly.
Methods to Check Blood Pressure
There are a variety of options to check your pressure. You may visit OneSource anytime to have your blood pressure checked during a routine visit. If you do receive a high reading, our health professionals will speak with you about treatment options including lifestyle changes, medication, and tips on ways to help bring it down.
At-home blood pressure monitoring units are also available for those with preexisting hypertension. It gives people the opportunity to check their readings daily. These electrical units can be purchased without a prescription and are easy to use. Each unit comes equipped with a cuff and a monitor that provides a digital reading of your numbers. A health professional can show you the proper way to use the device and can verify if it calibrated correctly.
Precautionary Tips
To ensure an accurate blood pressure reading, do not consume a caffeinated beverage, alcohol or smoke within 30 minutes of the test’s administration. This can give inaccurate numbers, which may lead to multiple reading attempts. Sit upright with your left arm positioned on a table. It important that you do not move during the test. If you feel the reading is inaccurate, wait for 5 to 10 minutes before conducting another test.
Keep your blood pressure in check by following these essential tips. Follow your doctor’s orders for a healthy diet and exercise plan to reduce your risk of developing hypertension. Contact us at OneSource Healthcare with any questions you may have about your blood pressure.
At OneSource Healthcare, we know it is vital to be seen by an urgent care physician when you suspect high blood pressure. That is why we offer low-cost, affordable urgent care for those medical needs that cannot wait. If you suffer from high blood pressure, visit us online at www.onesource-healthcare.com/ or give us a call today at 229-439-1950 or 229-246-6417.