PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There is a reason why you should have your blood pressure checked at every appointment with your physician.
Whether you have a science background or not, it is safe to say that you have heard about high blood pressure and might even know what the top and bottom numbers mean — and that is a good thing.
Your blood pressure is a window into your health. We know that for certain people — such as those who have high blood pressure running in their family — the risk for high blood pressure is greater. But lifestyle issues, like too much stress, eating too much salt, not exercising enough or eating processed foods, can have a dramatic effect.
When the blood pressure remains elevated, it weakens the heart and also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. That is why, each and every time you see your doctor, you should get it checked.
And you might consider getting a home blood pressure cuff that you can have your doctor check out at visits. It only takes a minute
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.