If you’re between 50 and 80, you should do it every day, doctors say

As we age, our chances of developing a serious health condition increase, making medical care a big priority in everyday life. Thanks, fixed installation Health habits in midlife May help prevent major health episodes later. In particular, there is one simple habit that takes only a few minutes of your day and can help alert you to a long list of serious illnesses. Read on to find out what you should be doing every day if you’re between 50 and 80—and why many of us don’t.

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High blood pressure can harm your health.

Although you may not notice the symptoms of high blood pressure, high blood pressure can lead to a number of serious illnesses. In fact, the Mayo Clinic notes this high blood pressure “Symptoms can silently wreak havoc on the body for years before developing. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to disability, reduced quality of life, and even a fatal heart attack or stroke.” Additionally, untreated high blood pressure has been linked to an increased incidence of dementia, aneurysms, heart attacks, kidney damage, vision loss, sexual dysfunction, and more.

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If you are between 50 and 80 years of age, do this every day.

A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open Says that if you are between 50 and 80 years old, then you are Increased risk of developing high blood pressureand “at high risk of adverse outcomes from uncontrolled blood pressure [blood pressure] than young adults.”

That’s why some experts recommend checking your blood pressure daily—even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms of the disorder. “Home BP monitoring is associated with modest reductions in blood pressure and is cost-effective,” the study said. “Our results suggest that protocols should be developed to educate patients about the importance of self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SBPM) and to share readings with physicians and perform SBPM.”

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The researchers also noted that only 48 percent of people who should Today, people regularly check their blood pressure at home—and even fewer report that information to their medical team. The reason may be that they are not aware of its benefits: Only 61 percent of survey respondents who had high blood pressure or a condition that could cause high blood pressure, were advised by their doctors to check their blood pressure at home.

Try these tips for monitoring at home.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), consistency is key when it comes to Monitor your blood pressure at home. “It’s important to take readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening,” notes the agency, adding that you should always record your numbers on a tracking sheet for future reference. By taking two to three readings one minute apart at each BP monitoring session, you can get the most accurate reading, the company adds.

The AHA also notes that it’s important to avoid any factors that can affect your blood pressure. They recommend emptying your bladder five minutes before taking your reading and not smoking, drinking or exercising 30 minutes before. Sit still, and be sure to remove any clothing that acts as a barrier between you and your blood pressure monitor.

Here’s how to lower your blood pressure.

In addition to your monitoring blood pressure Regularly, and sharing that information with your doctor, it’s also important to take concrete steps to lower your blood pressure if it’s high. You may be able to lose weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, quitting smoking, limiting your alcohol intake, managing stress, getting better sleep, and reducing your sodium intake.

Doctors can also prescribe medication, or suggest you use it A breathing training device To help lower your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor for more information on how to reduce your risk of high blood pressure, or treat an existing case.