5 Benefits of Routine Blood Pressure Tests

Nearly half of all Americans have high blood pressure, but many of them aren’t aware of it. High or low blood pressure can increase your risk of other serious health conditions, but because you might not notice any symptoms, regular blood pressure tests are the best way to monitor this important vital sign. 

At NY Family Docs, we recommend getting tested at least once a year during your annual physical, or more often if you’ve been diagnosed with a blood pressure problem. 

We’re proud to have 10 offices around Brooklyn and Queens in New York City, so get tested at the one nearest to you. 

Here are just five of the benefits of routine blood pressure tests. 

1. Develop a baseline for your blood pressure

Blood pressure refers to the force in your arteries as your heart pumps blood around your body. Your blood pressure is measured with two numbers: the systolic pressure (first number) refers to the force of your blood when your heart pumps, while the diastolic pressure (second number) is the pressure between heartbeats. 

Healthy blood pressure is usually around 90 to 120 for the first number and 60 to 80 for the second number, which is why 120/80 is often described as an ideal result. 

However, each person’s baseline blood pressure differs slightly, which is why it’s important to have your blood pressure tested annually even if you’re otherwise healthy. This helps establish a baseline so it’s easier to spot changes in your blood pressure later on. 

2. Check for high blood pressure (hypertension) and related conditions

High blood pressure can put excess strain on your arteries, heart, kidneys, and other organs. Left untreated, it can eventually lead to serious conditions such as:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Peripheral artery disease
• Aortic aneurysms
• Kidney disease

Luckily, high blood pressure can often be effectively treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Losing weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy low-salt diet, and cutting back on smoking and alcohol can all help reduce your blood pressure. 

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to get your blood sugar under control, medicines can help as well.

3. Check for low blood pressure (hypotension) and related conditions

While low blood pressure isn’t as serious as high blood pressure, it can still be a cause for concern. Low blood pressure, generally considered less than 90/60, can cause dizziness and fainting spells, which can lead to injuries. 

Often, low blood pressure is due to pregnancy, dehydration, and certain medications, and it’s unlikely to cause other issues. However, low blood pressure can be a sign of endocrine problems such as diabetes, blood loss or injury, severe allergic reaction, or severe infection. 

4. Manage a long-term chronic condition

If you have a long-term health condition such as hypertension or heart disease, it’s especially important to track your blood pressure regularly. 

Routine blood pressure tests can help you ensure your condition is well managed with medication, and they alert your provider at NY Family Docs if your condition gets worse. 

5. Verify at-home blood pressure testing

If you have chronic hypertension or another condition, your provider may recommend at-home blood pressure monitoring. 

While this can be very helpful in managing your condition, it’s still important to verify your at-home results with regular visits to NY Family Docs. We can ensure your at-home device is accurate and screen you for any additional issues. 

Whether you’re in great health or you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, routine blood pressure tests can help you stay on top of your health. To find out when your next blood pressure test is scheduled, ask your local NY Family Docs provider by calling our offices or sending a message online.