Why is your Blood Pressure Important?
Blood pressure is important because the higher your blood pressure the higher your risk of health problems in the future. If your blood pressure is high it is putting extra pressure on your arteries and your heart. Overtime this will lead to thickening and weakening of the arteries. When an artery is thickened it can more easily become clogged leading to a heart attack, stroke or kidney disease.
The American Heart Association just updated the guidelines for diagnosis of high blood pressure.
Anyone with blood pressure readings higher than normal need to take measures to control it. Click here to learn how.
Prior to having surgery it is important to ensure your blood pressure is well controlled. High blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular complications after anesthesia and surgery. Ideally all patients with high blood pressure should be treated before undergoing surgery especially those patients with a diagnosis of stage II or higher.
For more information on managing blood pressure prior to surgery, click here.
Know your numbers!
