1 in 5 Canadian Adults Has High Blood Pressure. Know Your Numbers.

Brought to you by BIOS MedicalOne in Five Canadian AdultsHigh blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions affecting Canadian adults, and you may not even know you have it.According to Statistics Canada, 19.9% of Canadians above the age of 18 reported having high blood pressure in 2023. In other words, approximately 1 in 5 Canadian adults reported living with high blood pressure.The numbers become even more significant as we age. In 2023, reported high blood pressure ranged from 2.7% among Canadians aged 18–34 and up to 45.0% in those above the age of 65.1 in 5Canadian adults reported having high blood pressure in 2023.45%of Canadians aged 65 and older reported high blood pressure.These statistics help outline why blood pressure isn't just something to think about only when you feel unwell. Regular monitoring helps you stay informed about changes in your blood pressure over time, providing key insights for your healthcare professionals. High Blood Pressure Doesn't Always Announce ItselfOne of the challenges of diagnosing high blood pressure is that it may be present without any obvious symptoms. Someone can feel perfectly healthy and still have blood pressure that is higher than recommended.That's why blood pressure is often referred to as a ‘silent killer’. The only way to know your blood pressure is by measuring it.Untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk for serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney problems, and other cardiovascular conditions. Statistics Canada identifies high blood pressure as a key risk factor for both heart disease and stroke.The good news? Knowing your numbers gives you information you can act on.Know Your NumbersBlood pressure is recorded as two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg.Systolic pressure – the top numberMeasures the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood.Diastolic pressure – the bottom numberMeasures the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats, when your heart relaxes.Both numbers are important. Your blood pressure will change throughout the day. This depends on many factors such as activity, stress, sleep, caffeine, and medications.Current Hypertension Canada recommendations define hypertension in adults as blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or higher when measured with a validated device under optimal conditions (such as any BIOS DiagnosticsTM at home device). Single readings should not be used to diagnose yourself. Your healthcare professional can help interpret your readings in the context of your overall health.Your Blood Pressure at Home MattersWhere and how you measure blood pressure makes a difference.Hypertension Canada recommends validated automated blood pressure devices and standardized measurement techniques. They also recommend out-of-office blood pressure assessment to help confirm hypertension and identify situations such as white-coat or masked hypertension. BIOS DiagnosticsTM proudly manufactures high quality, at home (out-of-office) devices.For many people, home monitoring provides an opportunity to collect readings in their most comfortable environment and to track them over time.Rather than focusing on isolated measurements, keeping a record of your readings will better help you and your healthcare professional spot patterns and changes.Measure. Record. Understand.Making blood pressure monitoring part of your routine can help you become more familiar with your numbers, and recognize when it's time to discuss them with a healthcare professional.Factors such as recent exercise, caffeine, tobacco use, body position, and insufficient rest can influence blood pressure readings.Don't Guess. Know Your Numbers.Blood pressure is one of those health indicators that can tell you something important even when you feel perfectly fine.With 1 in 5 Canadian adults reporting high blood pressure, knowing your numbers is a simple way to become more informed about your cardiovascular health.Whether monitoring your blood pressure regularly or simply checking in from time to time, accurate measurement and consistent tracking provides valuable information.Know your numbers. Monitor with confidence.Talk with your healthcare professional about your blood pressure readings, and what they mean for you.

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