It’s widely recognized that blood pressure exhibits diurnal variations and also changes rapidly in response to activities like getting up, eating, working, exercising, and drinking. Additionally, it varies from day to day. Therefore, measuring blood pressure only in clinics doesn’t provide a comprehensive understanding of the fluctuations that occur throughout a day or on different days.
Advancements in internet communication have transformed conventional blood pressure management. Now, with a self-measuring blood pressure device, you can monitor your blood pressure anytime, anywhere. These devices can connect to your smartphone via bluetooth, allowing you to not only record your readings but also share them with your doctor for online consultations based on daily and day-to-day variations.
Reliance on clinic-based blood pressure measurements is no longer sufficient for comprehensive management. Monthly clinic readings may not accurately reflect your health status. High blood pressure has detrimental effects on the body, especially blood vessels. While short-term high blood pressure may not significantly alter blood vessels, prolonged hypertension can lead to arteriosclerosis, increasing the risk of life-threatening events such as myocardial and cerebral infarction. Therefore, a single monthly measurement can’t accurately assess the impact of blood pressure on your vascular health.
For those with suspected hypertension, daily monitoring is advisable. Smartwatches, for example, can monitor blood pressure in real-time or at set intervals, offering convenience and insights into how blood pressure responds to daily activities. However, these devices may not always provide precise measurements and can be affected by posture.
For individuals diagnosed with hypertension or those on medication, home and workplace monitoring using self-measuring devices is recommended. While it may seem tedious, accurate daily readings are crucial for determining the effectiveness of medication or the need to start treatment.
In Japan, e-Medical Japan Inc. offers online medical services in conjunction with Omron’s self-measuring blood pressure monitors. As a user, I measure my blood pressure twice daily – once shortly after waking up and once before bedtime. The readings are immediately logged on my iPhone and sent to the online clinic, helping me decide on my medication needs.
Considering that we spend most of our time at home, work, or around town, and only a brief period in clinics, it’s essential to monitor our health continuously. The development of new sensing technologies promises to bring medical care closer to our ideal, enabling us to keep track of our physical and mental conditions throughout our lives.
As we navigate through our busy lives, it’s crucial to embrace these innovative technologies for continuous health monitoring. By doing so, we not only gain deeper insights into our well-being but also empower ourselves to make informed decisions about our health, ensuring a proactive approach to preventing potential health issues.