Heart surgeon shares how usually you need to measure your blood strain and why: ‘Easiest modifiable risk factor…’

February, recognised as Heart Health Month, serves as a well timed reminder to pay nearer consideration to the numbers that quietly form our cardiovascular well-being – particularly blood strain. Often dubbed the “silent killer”, hypertension impacts practically one in two Americans, lots of whom are unaware they even have it. Despite being probably the most frequent threat components for coronary heart illness, hypertension can be among the many most preventable and manageable.

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Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with 25 years of expertise, is breaking down the significance of repeatedly checking your blood strain, is highlighting the significance of repeatedly monitoring your blood strain, calling it probably the most simply preventable and controllable threat components for heart problems.

In an Instagram, video shared on February 12, the center surgeon emphasises, “February is heart health month. When’s the last time you checked your blood pressure? One in two Americans have high blood pressure, and many people don’t even know about it. That’s why it’s referred to as the silent killer.”

He emphasises that sustaining a wholesome weight, partaking in common bodily exercise and limiting alcohol consumption are highly effective, evidence-based methods that assist secure blood strain and general cardiovascular operate. However, life-style modifications don’t all the time work for everybody. In such instances, prescribed medicine turns into important – and it needs to be taken constantly and critically to successfully handle blood strain and cut back long-term well being dangers.

The coronary heart surgeon emphasises, “High blood pressure is the easiest modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease that we have. Weight control, regular exercise, limiting or avoiding alcohol; and medications are always an option if those things don’t work.”

Blood strain just isn’t a hard and fast quantity, and a single studying doesn’t outline your well being standing. It naturally fluctuates all through the day relying on stress, exercise ranges, sleep and weight loss program. Regular monitoring helps set up traits, making it simpler to determine significant modifications and decide whether or not life-style changes or medical intervention could also be wanted.

Additionally, readings are sometimes extra dependable when taken at house in a peaceful, relaxed setting slightly than in a medical atmosphere, the place nervousness can quickly elevate numbers. Dr London advises investing in a house blood strain monitor – dependable digital cuffs are extensively obtainable in India on platforms similar to Amazon and usually value between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000 – a small funding for higher long-term coronary heart well being.

Dr London highlights, “You can get one of these blood pressure cuffs for less than $30 off Amazon. It’s really easy to use and the truth is many of us get our blood pressure checked once a year at our primary care visit and it’s just not enough. You really need to check your blood pressure on a regular basis, morning and evening so that you have an average. You’re not defined by one number. Maximising your health span and decreasing your overall cardiovascular risk can be really complicated. So get the easy stuff right: Check your blood pressure.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational functions solely and never an alternative choice to skilled medical recommendation. It relies on user-generated content material from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and doesn’t endorse them.