High blood pressure may not cause any obvious symptoms. It’s a sneaky disease, with the power to cause damage to your body for years without you noticing. That’s why it’s sometimes referred to as “the silent killer.” You may feel completely fine while your body is suffering.
Taking your blood pressure is an important part of most doctor’s visits. It’s one of the main vital signs that doctors use to check in with how your body is working. Routinely checking blood pressure levels helps doctors diagnose high blood pressure early. This can mean you get a head start at making lifestyle changes that can help.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, regular monitoring becomes even more important. At-home readings are a low-stress way to keep tabs on your numbers. You’ll get real-time reminders that even if you feel OK, high blood pressure is something you cannot ignore.
Regular monitoring can help you stay focused on balanced eating, activity and coping with stress. These and other lifestyle choices can help you manage high blood pressure.
Taking regular blood pressure readings also tells you and your doctor if any medications you’re taking are effective. Your doctor can use this information to adjust prescriptions or doses.
Regular readings can also help you notice right away if something is impacting your numbers like alcohol, caffeine or another medication you’re taking. You can use this information to help you make the best choices for your health. With regular monitoring, you’ll see the impacts in real time.
Remember: You may feel fine, but high blood pressure could be quietly doing damage to your body. Regularly checking in with at-home blood pressure readings will help you and your doctor take the right actions.