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Most people know by now that high blood pressure is a good predictor of many health problems. It can lead to heart problems, stroke, and hardened arteries. Unfortunately, high blood pressure seems to be a common part of the modern lifestyle, which is why it’s a major concern for the personal health of so many individuals. If you have high blood pressure, it’s important that you see your doctor for health monitoring and treatment if necessary. According to recent research, if your high blood pressure is left untreated for a long time it could be more dangerous for your health than the actual number. Keep reading to understand why and what you should do about it.

 

High Blood Pressure and your Personal Health

There are a number of risk factors for illnesses and diseases that can be life threatening such as heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure is one of the most common and most dangerous risk factors. That’s why doctors are so quick to suggest treatment when patients develop high blood pressure, to avoid future damage. And if your doctor is really good, they’ll also suggest testing to see if there has been any damage done already by your high blood pressure. The strong link between high blood pressure and serious diseases is the primary reason why monitoring your blood pressure should be a permanent part of your health tracking routine.

 

Blood Pressure over Time

A recent study has suggested a change to the way that doctors use high blood pressure to assess a patient’s stroke risk. Most of the time, doctors will measure blood pressure at a single point in time and use that measurement to assess risk. However, a recent study followed over 6000 people over two decades, measuring their blood pressure at regular intervals. The results showed that the blood pressure measurements followed four distinct patterns:

 

• Class 1 showed gradually increasing blood pressure measurements from a normal range to a high range (120 systolic to 160).

 

• Class 2 started with normal blood pressure but experienced a sharp increase over the period of the study (120 systolic to over 200).

 

• Class 3 had blood pressure measurements that were mildly increased in middle age and stayed that way (around 140 systolic).

 

• Class 4 had high blood pressure in middle age that decreased over time because of medications (160 systolic).

 

The Results

The health outcomes of these different blood pressure groups, and the implications of these results, were startling. The study found that Class 1, people with normal blood pressure that increased over time, had the lowest risk of stroke. The groups that had the highest rate of dying from stroke and non-stroke events before the age of 80 were Class 2, the participants whose blood pressure increased steadily across time, and Class 4, whose blood pressure actually decreased after age 65. And finally, Class 3 had the biggest risk of stroke, with their blood pressure that remained the same over time. And even more surprisingly, this group also had the lowest risk of dying from non-stroke events.

 

What this Means for you

High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for strokes as well as other serious and potentially fatal illnesses and events. That’s why you need to be aware of your numbers and ensure that your doctor is informed about any changes as soon as possible. Your blood pressure can change drastically over just a few years. Just because you had a physical a few years ago, and had normal blood pressure results, doesn’t mean that you’re still safe today. This study proves the importance of continuing your health tracking over time, and suggests new stroke prevention strategies that you and your doctor need to be aware of and implement when necessary.

 

If you’re concerned about your blood pressure, or your weight, try HomeLab, the at home health system that will help you take control of your health and keep track of important health markers.

 

 

Keywords: Personal health, health tracking, health at home, prevention