Blood Pressure Checks Save Lives

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all adults age 18 years and older get screened for high blood pressure in a clinical office setting.¹ This is one of the many reasons why seeing your primary care physician for an annual wellness check can help save your life. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is frequently referred to as “the silent killer.” People may have high blood pressure without feeling any symptoms until something serious like a heart attack or a stroke happens. Additionally, uncontrolled hypertension can lead to other serious health problems including chronic kidney disease(CKD) and chronic heart failure (CHF). Seeing your primary care physician for a blood pressure screening can help diagnose hypertension at an early stage before significant complications occur. You can partner with your primary care physician to come up with a plan to keep your blood pressure under control, which may include dietary changes, exercise, and medication. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides your body with essential nutrients; this along with limiting salt in the diet can help regulate blood pressure. Getting 150 minutes of physical activity per week will also improve heart health. Smoking cessation and avoiding excess alcohol are also essential to maintaining a normal blood pressure. For some people, medication is necessary to control hypertension. Your primary care physician can prescribe a medication that will work for you. Seeing your primary care physician and getting your blood pressure checked at least once per year should be an integral part of your heart health and just might save your life!

Mary Elizabeth Vitucci, DO

Director of Medical Education, Director of Osteopathic Education, and Family Medicine Residency Associate Program Director

Dr. Vitucci is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Mercy Suburban Hospital where she served as the chief intern and subsequently as the chief resident. Dr. Vitucci is the Director of Medical Education and the Director of Osteopathic Education at Suburban Community Hospital where she also serves as the Associate Program Director of the Family Medicine Residency. She is an associate faculty member at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Vitucci is AOBFP certified in Family Medicine.

¹https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hypertension-in-adults-screening