Rapid increase in domestic high blood pressure patients… “Blood pressure should be measured at home too”

On Tuesday, the 30th, there will be a lot of clouds across the country, and the metropolitan area, Gangwon-do, and Chungbuk will be mostly cloudy. Rain is expected in Seoul, southern Gyeonggi, and northern Chungbuk until the afternoon, and in northern Gyeonggi and Gangwon inland and mountainous areas until late afternoon. The lowest temperature in the morning is forecast to be 22-29 degrees, and the highest temperature in the afternoon is forecast to be 29-36 degrees.

Today’s Health = The number of patients with hypertension in Korea is increasing. As it can lead to serious complications such as diabetes and stroke, the medical community is urging active prevention and management through blood pressure measurement at home.

According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, an analysis of hypertension treatment trends over the past five years (2019-2023) showed that the number of patients increased by 14.1% (annual average of 3.4%) and treatment costs due to hypertension increased by 23.5% (annual average of 5.4%) during this period.

Normal blood pressure is a condition where systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mmHg. In this case, less than 140/90 mmHg is prehypertension, less than 160/100 mmHg is stage 1 hypertension, and more than that is stage 2 hypertension. If hypertension persists, it can have adverse effects on the whole body, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal failure, so constant management is important.

However, it may be difficult to accurately determine blood pressure by only measuring blood pressure at medical institutions. Accordingly, the importance of measuring blood pressure at home is emphasized. By using this, blood pressure changes in daily life can be reflected more accurately. Another advantage is that by observing blood pressure changes, appropriate measures can be taken quickly when management is needed.

When measuring blood pressure at home, first maintain a stable state, place your arm at heart level, and attach the blood pressure cuff (band) correctly. It is also advisable to measure at the same time and record the average value at least twice.

Professor Joo Hyung-jun of the Department of Cardiology at Korea University Anam Hospital said, “Home blood pressure measurement is essential not only for hypertensive patients but also for patients with angina, heart failure, and decreased kidney function.” He added, “Patients can continuously monitor their blood pressure changes, determine their exact usual blood pressure, and take appropriate medical measures.”