Why You Shouldn't Skip Routine Blood Pressure Tests

Many health conditions show warning signs as they develop. Most common health issues likely have at least a few noticeable symptoms.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is different. It often doesn’t cause any noticeable changes until it’s in an advanced stage — and can be very dangerous to the person’s health. 

That’s why, as part of our primary care, Angel J. Garcia, MD, and our team at the El Paso Center for Family & Sports Medicine always include regular blood pressure tests. At our office, we can check to see if you’re being affected by high blood pressure. 

Why monitoring your blood pressure is so important

High blood pressure is commonly referred to as the "silent killer" — and for good reason. It affects about half of American adults, but a lot of people don’t know they have it. That’s because it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms until it reaches a very advanced state. 

Even in earlier stages, though, it increases your risk for:

• Aneurysm
• Atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries)
• Dementia
• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Kidney problems
• Stroke
• Vision loss

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in a single year, high blood pressure contributed to more than 600,000 deaths. 

In short, high blood pressure could be taking a toll on your body without you knowing it. That’s why getting regular blood pressure tests is so important. 

What to expect with a blood pressure test

Good news: blood pressure tests are quick and pain-free. We check your blood pressure by putting a cuff around your arm and inflating it. This only takes a few minutes. 

That cuff registers your blood pressure when your heart pumps (systolic pressure) and between heartbeats (diastolic pressure). You want your systolic pressure to be below 120 mmHg and your diastolic pressure to be below 80 mmHg. Anything above 120/80 indicates high blood pressure. 

If we determine that you have this condition, we will work with you to develop a plan. For many people, lifestyle changes alone are sufficient to lower their blood pressure. As a result, Dr. Garcia will usually recommend that you:

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet
• Develop stress management techniques
• Get more physical activity (even walking counts)
• Minimize alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Reach or maintain a healthy weight
• Work on getting enough good sleep each night

If the lifestyle modifications aren’t enough to lower your blood pressure, he can also prescribe medication. 

Dr. Garcia works with you to lower your blood pressure and your risk of a serious health incident. To get this quick and painless test to check your levels today, please call our office or book an appointment online.