On 17 May we celebrate World Hypertension Day. It is a good time to find out more about a disease that is the single strongest risk factor for mortality and many illnesses. According to the NATPOL survey, over 9 million people in Poland aged 18 to 79 suffer from hypertension. In turn, the POLSENIOR survey has shown that the disease affects approximately one million people over the age of 80. If this trend continues, by 2030 the number of patients with hypertension may increase by half. In response to these disturbing statistics two international organisations launched the May Measurement Month (MMM17), a worldwide screening campaign. One of the campaign partners in Poland is Medicover.
How often should I test my blood pressure?
Healthy adults should measure their blood pressure at least once a year, but there are no objections to doing it more often. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, you should measure your blood pressure as often as your doctor recommends, sometimes even several times a day. Hypertension is diagnosed on the basis of at least two measurements taken during at least two consecutive visits. Diagnosis occurs if the average values are greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg for systolic pressure, and 90 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure. In patients with blood pressure less than 160/100 mm Hg, the diagnosis should be confirmed by measuring at home, or by automatic blood pressure records.
Doctor Agnieszka Motyl, a family physician at Medicover.
MMM17 –The largest screening campaign continues
The sooner we recognize hypertension, the sooner we can treat it more effectively and eliminate the risk of serious health complications.
Doctor Agnieszka Motyl, a family physician at Medicover.
