02/19/2026
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be a silent disease — without any warning signs or symptoms — and many people may not even realize they have it. But without treatment, high blood pressure can greatly increase your risk for a heart attack and stroke.
Monitoring your blood pressure is the only way to know if you have high blood pressure. That’s why it’s important to check it regularly — at every healthcare visit and between appointments at home — to be proactive about your health. Early intervention is key to improved outcomes.
Self-monitoring at home is especially important if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or other conditions that can elevate it. Your provider may recommend daily readings with a home monitor for a more complete understanding of your condition and risks, and to determine whether treatment is working or if adjustments need to be made.
Making sure you have an accurate reading is important. The first step in controlling your high blood pressure is knowing your numbers. A reading that’s too low can give you a false sense of security, while a reading too high may lead to treatment you don’t need.