In the hustle of everyday life, routine health checks tend to get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, especially if you feel fine. But some health conditions, like high blood pressure, can quietly damage your body without showing a single sign.
At Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, our team understands how your busy life can make it challenging to schedule time for routine health visits. That’s why we offer well-woman exams and primary care all in one place, so it’s easier for you to stay on top of your health.
One of the most important, but often overlooked, parts of preventive care is routine blood pressure testing. Here, we explain why it’s important, how often to get checked, and the best ways to prepare for the test.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls as your heart pumps. When checking your blood pressure, we measure two things:
Systolic pressure
This is the top number of your blood pressure reading. It measures the force of blood on the artery walls when the heart is pumping, or during the heartbeat.
Diastolic pressure
This is the bottom number of the reading. It measures the force of blood when the heart is at rest, or in between beats.
Your blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day — trending higher during activity and lower when you’re relaxed. But consistently high blood pressure can damage the arteries and increase risk of health problems.
Why you need routine blood pressure testing
You might not feel different, but unchecked high blood pressure — also known as hypertension — can cause your arteries to thicken and stiffen. This change puts extra strain on your heart and can reduce blood flow to vital organs, increasing your risk of health complications such as:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- Vision changes
- Dementia
Hypertension is often thought of as a male health problem, but it affects women, too. And women are at even greater risk of having high blood pressure during pregnancy and after menopause.
The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to get it checked regularly.
When you need blood pressure testing
The frequency at which you should set routine blood pressure tests depends on your age, personal health history, and family history.
If you’re between 18 and 39 and have good blood pressure readings, you may only need routine blood pressure screenings every 2-5 years. Once you reach 40, you need annual checks.
You may also need more frequent blood pressure tests at a younger age if you have risk factors for high blood pressure such as a family history or kidney disease.
Our primary care team tailors your testing schedule so we can help you stay on top of your health.
Preparing for blood pressure tests
Did you know that your morning coffee or a rushed walk from the parking lot may cause a spike in your blood pressure? Here’s how you can prep to get the most accurate results:
- Avoid caffeine before your appointment
- Don’t exercise right before your test
- Use the restroom before you get to the office
- Sit and relax for at least five minutes in the exam room
- Uncross your legs and relax your arm during the test
Anxiety is common when visiting the doctor, so take deep breaths to calm your nerves before we place the blood pressure cuff on your arm to measure your numbers.
Tracking your blood pressure over time can help us identify issues before they turn into serious health concerns. Prioritizing these tests is one small step that makes a big difference in your long-term health.
Call Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, today or request an appointment online at the office nearest you to schedule a health visit.
