Final answer:
Blood pressure should be measured at every routine clinic visit in adults, with a follow-up measurement every 2 years if the blood pressure is normal. Blood pressure is expressed as systolic/diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mm Hg), and regular monitoring is crucial to prevent heart disease and stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
In adults, blood pressure should be measured at every routine clinic visit, then measured in 2 years in those with normal blood pressure. Understanding blood pressure readings, which are recorded as a ratio of systolic to diastolic pressure (e.g., 120/80 mm Hg), is essential for monitoring cardiovascular health.
Systolic pressure, the higher value, indicates the pressure during heart contraction, while diastolic pressure, the lower value, indicates the pressure during heart relaxation. Regular monitoring is vital as high blood pressure can lead to severe conditions such as heart disease and stroke. New guidelines define normal blood pressure as less than 120/80 mm Hg and recommend treatment for hypertension at 130/80 mm Hg. Proper management of blood pressure often involves lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication.