Experts Advise Home Blood Pressure Monitoring From Age 40 to Detect Silent Hypertension
High blood pressure, often called the "silent killer," can develop over years without symptoms while causing serious damage to blood vessels and vital organs. Professor Adi Leiba, head of the Nephrology and Hypertension Institute at Assuta Ashdod Hospital, emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring at home, especially from age 40 onward. He explains that many people neglect this simple test, which can be done within minutes using an affordable device, despite its critical role in early detection of cardiovascular risks such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage.
According to Professor Leiba, about one in four adults in Israel suffers from hypertension, with prevalence rising to around 70% by age 70. He notes that home measurements are often more accurate than those taken in clinics due to the "white coat effect," where stress from medical visits can artificially raise readings. Israeli guidelines now recommend confirming hypertension diagnosis through repeated measurements, including home monitoring or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
Certain groups are especially advised to keep a home blood pressure monitor: those with known hypertension, family history, overweight individuals, and people consuming high amounts of salt. The guidelines stress limiting salt intake to under 5 grams daily, noting much salt comes from processed foods. Professor Leiba advises measuring blood pressure twice daily, morning and evening, with two readings each time, ensuring proper technique such as sitting with feet flat and arm at heart level.
Normal blood pressure is defined as below 120/80 mmHg, while readings between 130-139/85-89 mmHg indicate elevated pressure requiring lifestyle changes. Hypertension is diagnosed at consistent readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Professor Leiba recommends home monitoring starting at age 40, especially for those with risk factors, and notes devices are affordable, costing a few hundred shekels. He also highlights lifestyle modifications like reducing salt, maintaining healthy weight, exercising, adopting a Mediterranean diet, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol as essential to managing hypertension and reducing cardiovascular risks.
