National Men's Health Month: Omron Healthcare Reminds Men Not to Ignore the High Cost of Hypertension

By: Robert Diamond Jun. 27, 2018

LAKE FOREST, Ill., June 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ June is National Men's Health Month and Omron Healthcare, the global leader in home heart health technology, is sharing a reminder for men to check their blood pressure as it is an essential health pillar relating to men, especially as they age. Recent surveys show that nearly 60 percent of men avoid going to the doctor when they may have a medical condition, and only three in five men go for an annual check-up 1. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men 2. Blood pressure is a core health measurement and a warning indicator for many preventable health conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, as well as a whole host of male-related issues such as erectile dysfunction 3, sleep apnea, male infertility 4, and even damage to the kidneys and eyes.

"High blood pressure means higher risk for heart attack and stroke, but hypertension also affects the body overall. High blood pressure has also been shown to affect sexual function, brain health and kidney health," says Dr. James Rippe, renowned cardiologist and author of Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease for Dummies.

"Advancements in home blood pressure monitors, such as what Omron Healthcare has accomplished, mean you can now regularly monitor your blood pressure at home. These blood pressure monitors are more portable, connected and convenient than ever before. And you can use them with a mobile app to easily share your heart health data with your doctor - an important evolution in the doctor-patient relationship that can continue from home."

More young men are now hypertensive

In November 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) updated the guidelines for measuring hypertension. This reduced the measurement indicating high blood pressure from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg, and this new threshold means that incidence of high blood pressure nearly triples among men age 20 to 44, up to 30 percent from 11 percent 5, and more than 70 percent for men age 55 and older 6.

"Younger men who now find themselves in the hypertensive range should make it priority to monitor their blood pressure regularly and to act on their numbers," said Dr. Rippe. "Hypertension treatment does not always mean medication. By acting early with diet and lifestyle changes, you can manage high blood pressure and reduce the risks that come with it. Omron's home blood pressure monitoring technology makes that easier than ever before."

According to Mayo Clinic, nearly half of people who have untreated hypertension die of heart disease related to poor blood flow and another third die of stroke 7. Uncontrolled hypertension can result in damage to artery lining, restricting blood circulation, and can cause severe conditions where blood flow is cut off from vital organs.

Omron Healthcare has made Going for Zero™ - the elimination of heart attacks and strokes - its company mission. Recently, Omron Healthcare launched the EVOLV® wireless upper arm blood pressure monitor - a convenient, portable option with no tubes or tabletop unit for blood pressure readings on-the-go. The EVOLV can be connected to the Omron Connect app to store, track and share readings with your physician.

About Omron Healthcare, Inc.

Omron Healthcare, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of personal heart health and wellness products. Omron's market-leading products include home blood pressure monitors and electrotherapy devices. Since Omron invented its first blood pressure monitors more than 40 years ago, the company has been passionate about empowering people to take charge of their health at home through precise technology. Helping people improve their ability to live a healthier life is the heart and soul of Omron's purpose. The company recently evolved its mission to Going for Zero, the elimination of heart attacks and strokes. For more information, visit OmronHealthcare.com.

1 EveryDay Health: 60 percent of men don't go to the doctor and here's why
2 CDC: Heart Disease Facts
3 Mayo Clinic: High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension's effects on your body
4 Stanford University: Male infertility can be warning of hypertension, Stanford study finds
5 American College of Cardiology: New ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guidelines Lower Definition of Hypertension.
6 Harvard Health Publishing: Reading the new blood pressure guidelines
7 Mayo Clinic: High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension's effects on your body