Nearly half of adults in America have high blood pressure (hypertension or HBP)¹. Blood pressure is considered high if it’s above 130/80¹. Because there are often no symptoms, many people are unaware they have it. It’s important to check your blood pressure regularly because stress, illness, and exercise can cause it to fluctuate.

Understanding high blood pressure and its risk factors can help you identify problems early on. While many factors can cause high blood pressure, some can be controlled — like smoking and being overweight — and others, like age and family history, cannot.

The American Heart Association says it’s essential for people with high blood pressure to check it at home regularly. This helps doctors see if the treatments are working and make changes if needed. Checking blood pressure at home can help keep you healthier and lower the risks of serious long-term health problems.

Monitor your blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure, it’s vital that you measure and track your blood pressure regularly. If you don’t have an at-home blood pressure cuff, your Select Health plan benefits may be able to help pay for one.

• Select Health Medicare plans provide an Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefit that gives members money each quarter to purchase things like blood pressure cuffs.
• Select Health Community Care offers benefits to help cover the cost of a blood pressure cuff.
• Select Health Commercial plans’ benefits vary depending on the plan. For those with a Health Savings Account (HSA), consider using your HSA dollars to purchase a blood pressure cuff for convenient at-home testing.

Contact Select Health Member Services at 800-538-5038 for questions about benefits and coverage.

Lifestyle changes to manage hypertension

Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly help manage high blood pressure. Healthy habits can improve your overall well-being and reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Diet: Eating balanced meals high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy can help lower blood pressure.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, can significantly lower your blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Reduce alcohol intake and quit smoking to improve your overall health and lower your blood pressure.

Tracking your blood pressure

To manage your blood pressure numbers effectively, you need to track it consistently. You can use a printable pressure log, download a blood pressure tracking app on your phone, or manually record your measurements. Whichever method you choose, make sure you share your numbers with your doctor regularly.

Women and high blood pressure

Almost half of all adults with high blood pressure are women. Women are more likely to get high blood pressure if they are 20 pounds or more overweight, have family members with high blood pressure, or have gone through menopause². Women can also develop pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and other complications during or after pregnancy³. These risk factors make it easier for women to develop high blood pressure.

Talk with your doctor

If you have not been diagnosed with hypertension but frequently have high blood pressure readings or experience symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and nose bleeds, you should talk with your doctor.

Managing hypertension is crucial for long-term health. Regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medical guidance are essential in controlling high blood pressure. Use your Select Health benefits and start managing your blood pressure effectively today.

Sources

¹ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure 

² https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/high-blood-pressure-and-women

³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20046098

Note: Information on this page is not considered medical advice. Please contact your primary care provider for specific medical care guidance and recommendations.