Know Your Numbers Series Part 7: How To Monitoring Your Blood Pressure
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Welcome to Part 7 of the "Know Your Numbers" series, your go-to guide for understanding the lab results behind your health. This week, we're turning the spotlight on blood pressure. A vital health metric that’s easy to monitor but often overlooked.
Let’s get into it! 👏
🩺 Monitoring Blood Pressure: Why It Matters
Unlike a blood test, checking your blood pressure is quick, painless, and can be done at home, in a pharmacy, or during a routine office visit. And yet, it's one of the most critical numbers to keep on your radar.
Why? Because like cholesterol (which we covered last week), high blood pressure is often called a “silent killer.” It can cause serious damage to your body without any noticeable symptoms.
🎯 WHAT’S THE GOAL
The ideal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg. But that doesn't mean you need medication right away if you're above it.
Treatment often starts when readings are consistently over 135/90 mmHg, depending on your overall health and risk factors.
Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) puts long-term strain on the blood vessels in your heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes, increasing your risk for:
Heart attack and stroke
Kidney disease
Vision loss
Cognitive decline
⚠️ Who’s at Risk?
High blood pressure becomes more common as we age. About 70% of adults over age 80 have it. Men tend to experience it earlier, while women often see a sharp rise post-menopause.
Common risk factors include:
Family history of high blood pressure
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Abdominal obesity
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Chronic stress
Sleep apnea
History of gestational diabetes
And remember: having low blood pressure in the past doesn’t protect you from developing high blood pressure later in life.
⏰ When Should I Monitor It?V
Regular blood pressure checks are a must, especially if you're:
Over age 55
Going through perimenopause or menopause
Considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives (your blood pressure should be stable before starting)
🛠️ what are some Lifestyle Strategies for Prevention & Management?
You have more control than you think when it comes to managing your numbers. Here are some proven strategies:
Follow a Mediterranean-style diet
Stay physically active (aim for movement daily)
Manage stress with tools like mindfulness, breathwork, or therapy
Reduce salt intake—and watch out for hidden sodium in electrolyte drinks and processed foods
✅ Takeaway
If you’re unsure where you stand, swing by a pharmacy for a quick check, or we can take your blood pressure at your next visit.
Seeing readings above 120/80 mmHg regularly? Consider getting a home cuff monitor for more consistent tracking, it's one of the best tools for early detection and prevention.
Want to go deeper on your numbers or understand what they mean for your health journey? Let’s talk about it at your next appointment!
Hi, I’m Dr. Janine, ND
I’m a Naturopathic Doctor currently practicing in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
I truly believe that our enjoyment of life is closely tied to how we feel physically. When we’re healthy, we can take on anything. But when we feel off, even the simplest tasks become overwhelming. I’ve been through hormonal shifts, sleepless nights as a parent, and the stress of balancing everything. But I also know that with the right strategy, we can go from surviving to thriving—and create a healthy, thriving family in the process.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
- Dr. Janine, ND
Follow me on social media, @dr.janine.nd