- Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is estimated to cause approximately 19% of deaths worldwide
- According to Hypertension Canada, it’s estimated that over 90% of Canadians will develop hypertension if they live an average life span
What if we could try and lower our risk of developing chronic diseases or take action to help keep ourselves healthy at every stage of life? February marks Preventative Health Awareness Month in Canada and this initiative aims to do just that. Whether you are 18 or 80, prioritizing your health and wellness should be at the forefront of your mind. Speaking of – when was the last time you checked your blood pressure? Do you have a home blood pressure monitor? High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as a “silent killer” as there are often no symptoms.1 But did you know hypertension is a major public health challenge, affecting more than one billion people worldwide?2 Hypertension can increase our risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and even early death.2 However, blood pressure screening and monitoring can help identify if you are experiencing hypertension and help manage your blood pressure levels.
What to Expect: Blood Pressure Screening
Blood pressure screening is an integral part of general health care and is a routine part of most checkups. This test is simple, quick, and usually painless. A healthcare professional will place a cuff around the top of your arm and then inflate it. You will feel a squeeze on your arm, but most people do not find this painful. Your healthcare professional can share the results with you instantaneously and point out any concerns they may have. It’s important to note that blood pressure can vary from moment to moment and day to day. So, if one of your readings is slightly off, no need to panic.
Why is Blood Pressure Monitoring Important?
Proactively managing your health empowers you to make informed decisions, help improve your quality of life, and can even reduce healthcare needed. Taking a few moments of your day to monitor your blood pressure is one example of how you can be proactive about your health and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension.
Hypertension can lead to serious complications, and the longer high blood pressure is uncontrolled, the greater the damage. This is because high blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels and organs. Kidney problems, aneurysms, heart failure, eye problems — it can all stem from hypertension.3
Monitoring your blood pressure is one way to help detect hypertension before it starts causing these problems. And luckily, it’s a very easy task. You can get your blood pressure screened by your doctor, at many pharmacies, and even in the comfort of your own house with a home blood pressure monitor.
Selecting and Using a Home Blood Pressure Monitor
Home blood pressure monitoring is one of the easiest ways to help determine if you have true hypertension or white-coat hypertension. Healthcare settings can be uncomfortable and unfamiliar for many of us, which can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can cause temporary spikes in your blood pressure, and this is what is meant by white coat hypertension.4 Monitoring blood pressure at home is a practice everyone can benefit from, but for those with hypertension, it is a crucial part to help manage their condition and prevent serious health concerns.
You’ll be able to find blood pressure monitors at many pharmacies and health stores. However, there are many makes and models, each offering different features and benefits. So, how do you choose? Hypertension Canada suggests purchasing a blood pressure monitor that has been recommended by them, since they meet the highest and most current international standards (AAMI/ISO/ESH 2018)5. Blood pressure monitors recommended by Hypertension Canada will have a graphic on the box and/or in the material supplied with the device that indicates it is a recommended device. Click here to see a list of Hypertension Canada recommended blood pressure monitors.
Tracking Your Readings
You can keep track of your blood pressure readings in numerous ways, like on your phone or in a journal. Hypertension Canada also has a fillable blood pressure log you can download from their website. Keeping a record of your readings helps you and your healthcare team know how well your blood pressure is controlled.
Tracking your blood pressure readings can help:
- You to feel more in control of your health
- Identify trends
- Reduce healthcare costs
- Identify white-coat hypertension
Ideally, your blood pressure should be below 120/80 mmHg to help maintain good health and reduce the risk of health complications.6 However, your reading will depend on factors like age, existing health conditions, and when you took the reading. To ensure your readings are as accurate as possible, try sitting down with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor in a comfortable environment.
When should you take your measurements? Here are some examples:
- Before taking your blood pressure medication
- At least two hours after a meal
- After emptying the bladder and bowel
- One hour after drinking coffee or smoking
- Thirty minutes after exercise
As you now know, maintaining a healthy blood pressure is an important part of living a long, healthy life. It’s time to take control of your health — it’s never too late to start monitoring and tracking your blood pressure!
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WRITTEN BY: Emily Holland, Content Writer, in 2025
