A recent study found that less than half of those that take blood pressure medication or have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or health conditions that are impacted by this are monitoring their blood pressure levels on a regular basis.
The study came out of the University of Michigan and focused on individuals between the ages of 50 and 80. This is an age group that is particularly at risk of health complications because of high blood pressure, which is not very encouraging news when it comes to the prevention of a heart attack, stroke, or another cardiovascular event.
62 percent of those in this study indicated that their doctor was encouraging them to monitor their blood pressure with more regularity. While this number is slightly better than the previously mentioned statistic, it still leaves a lot of room for improvement. But keeping an eye on blood pressure and taking steps to keep it at a healthy level goes a long way toward avoiding heart issues. Avoiding heart issues can help prevent premature disability and death, helping those who are impacted to live a higher quality of life.
The study’s authors stated that one of the big takeaways from this study was that there needs to be more research done on the underlying reasons why people are not checking their blood pressure rates more frequently. There are a number of reasons why this might be, including a lack of knowledge, lack of tools, forgetfulness, and pure laziness or denial. However, all of these things can be overcome. Finding the right way to do it is the trick to helping these individuals improve their health.
The study was published in JAMA Network Open. In the past, other research projects have noted that those who regularly check their blood pressure tend to live a higher quality of life. Hopefully, this current project helps others to improve their health a little bit, too.
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. More adults die from heart disease than for any other reason. Blood pressure issues are just one piece of the overall puzzle, but maintaining a healthy blood pressure is an important component of good health. And, monitoring this is easier than ever before. There are fewer excuses to let health problems like this grow worse now, although there will certainly be a lot of individuals that don’t take advantage of this.
That’s why having a strong team for your family to rely upon is important. A strong team ensures that fewer things slip through the cracks. A team atmosphere puts checks and safeguards into place so that even if someone is prone to overlooking or ignoring health concerns, they are less likely to do so.
We’d love to be part of that team for you! Give us a call to see how professional in-home care can fit in with your overall approach to how you help your older family members. Our consultation sessions are free and designed to help get you pointed in the right direction.
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