Doctor explains why September – Heart Month – calls for blood pressure checks

In Latvia, September brings not only Poetry Days and the start of the school year but also Heart Month, a period of heightened focus on blood pressure control. Physician and columnist Pēteris Apinis explains why regular measurement is one of the simplest ways to catch dangerous cardiovascular problems early, since high blood pressure often shows no noticeable symptoms.

Apinis notes that readings taken in a doctor's office can be inflated by stress — the so-called "white coat syndrome" can add more than 10 mmHg. That is why it is valuable to also measure blood pressure at home and record the results, or use 24-hour monitoring holters that track fluctuations at work, at home and at night.

How to measure correctly

Before taking a reading, it is advisable to sit calmly for at least five minutes, avoid smoking, coffee, strong tea or energy drinks beforehand, and empty the bladder, since a full one can raise the reading. Automatic upper-arm monitors with clinical validation are the most accurate; readings from smartphones and smartwatches, which rely on algorithms, should be treated only as a general trend indicator.

When to see a doctor

If home readings exceed 140/90 mmHg, patients should consult a family doctor, who prescribes treatment and monitors its effectiveness. Referral to a cardiologist follows when standard therapy fails to work, secondary hypertension is suspected, or hypertension is linked to other heart conditions.

Apinis points out that most patients with chronic hypertension need to take medication long-term or for life, since the drugs do not eliminate the underlying cause but keep blood pressure under control. The most common mistake is stopping medication on one's own, which can cause pressure to spike higher than before treatment. He also advises against excessive discussion of blood pressure on social media, saying it can create unnecessary anxiety.