A stroke rehabilitation centre has published a guide on effective home blood pressure monitoring as part of Heart Month.

Evolution Healing Centre said that hypertension, or high blood pressure, remains a major health concern globally and that when uncontrolled, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, vision problems, kidney disease and other diseases impacted by persistent excessive blood vessel pressure.

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Sandro Fubler, Evolution’s chief executive and lead physiotherapist, said the centre believes that awareness is vital for preventive health.

He added: “In tribute to our community for Heart Month we have released a home blood pressure monitoring guide based on a variety of standards to assist in the management of the most influential controllable risk factor for cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of mortality in the world for decades.”

The guide is designed to help people accurately measure their blood pressure at home, understand readings, and consider safe and reasonable steps to monitor their blood pressure in the long-term.

“It also provides education on recommended actions based on readings.”

American Heart Month is observed in February to highlight cardiovascular disease.

The guide includes references to all research papers used to inform it but Mr Fubler made clear that the information in the guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Mr Fubler said research indicates that about 45 to 50 per cent of adults in the US have hypertension, with prevalence increasing with age.

Notably, he said, approximately 20 per cent of adults aged 18 to 39 are affected by elevated blood pressure, highlighting the need to monitor even early onset trends.

He added: “Further to this, dementia cases are on the rise.

“Uncontrolled hypertension is demonstrated to be a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia over time.

“Research demonstrates that individuals with poorly managed blood pressure are at a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, emphasising the importance of blood pressure control for cognitive health.

“Control of blood pressure could reduce incidence by 12 to 15 per cent.

“Since elevated blood pressure often presents us with no symptoms — a condition known as ‘the silent killer’ — regular monitoring is crucial for early detection and management.”

Mr Fubler said that detecting blood pressure range can be an early, identifiable sign of a health emergency so taking the time to monitor at home for a few weeks can provide a reliable assessment of trends.

He noted that research suggests that this approach, combined with other recommended practices, enhances the accuracy of blood pressure monitoring and supports better health outcomes by achieving normal and safe trends.

Mr Fubler added: “To summarise, the monitoring methods described are consistent with globally recommended practices and can help you to accurately track pressure levels.

“In particular, the use of automatic upper-arm monitors, with the most appropriate cuff size considerations, and the record-keeping of multiple blood pressure measurements over at least two weeks, appears to capture baseline blood pressure readings with a high degree of accuracy.

“The methods described are evidence-based approaches for clarifying your blood pressure trends in the comfort of your home environment.

“Record home blood pressure in alliance with your GP, healthcare professional, family member or caregiver to align with the best practices and keep your blood pressure at safe levels.”

The guide is available on the homepage of Evolution’s website at bpralliance.com.

Evolution also has a stroke support network at evolutionbda.com/stroke.