Blood Pressure Screening Blood pressure is measured with a cuff placed on the arm. Blood pressure elevation is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure is associated with heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and heart attack. Blood pressure can be measured at routine visits, acute visits, screenings, retail centers such as pharmacies, or by monitoring devices that can be purchased for home use. The optimal blood pressure is generally felt to be less than 140/90. It is generally felt that blood pressure can be improved with vigorous routine exercise, salt restriction, and weight loss. When these measures are not able to get the blood pressure to its goal, then medication should be considered.
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