The dangers of chronic hypertension can’t be taken lightly, especially with the life-threatening outcome associated with the condition. Continuous care is vital for hypertensive people due to critical health problems like heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. Whether you already have hypertension or suspect you might be at risk, it is entirely manageable through approved medical provisions.
Telehealth is one such provision that is changing healthcare. It allows the exchange of medical data between medical care providers and patients remotely. Through telehealth, you can manage your high blood pressure without leaving your home. This is possible through online appointments using phone calls and videoconferencing.
However, it’s vital to understand that you will need to visit a healthcare center in person in certain conditions. Also, verify with your medical care provider what features of your hypertension are manageable through telehealth.
Managing Hypertension through Telehealth
A medical professional will help you understand how best to treat, diagnose, and monitor hypertension through telehealth and when to visit them in person. But here are some areas where telehealth is applicable.
Health history assessment Telehealth helps your medical provider review your history before an in-person appointment and analyze test results or previous hypertension readings.
- Difficulties in Traveling for In-person appointments
If you are elderly, have a busy work schedule, or lack reliable transportation, telehealth is the best option for managing high blood pressure.
- Inquiries and consultations about prescriptions
You can quickly ask for guidance on medication refills or authorization for new prescriptions near you through telehealth.
- Monitoring blood pressure at home
Telehealth makes it easy for your provider to monitor blood pressure results through an online appointment. This way, your doctor can track your hypertension with ease through self-measured blood pressure (SMBP).
However, please note that if you exhibit signs of a stroke or heart attack, contact your doctor and seek in-person treatment immediately. Also, if you have adverse reactions from prescribed medications or other sudden health changes such as headaches or dizziness, get in-person treatment right away.
Importance of Telehealth
Telehealth helps in regular monitoring of hypertension at home and relaying results quickly to your provider. It also helps avoid white coat hypertension associated with stress, anxiety, or discomfort in medical surroundings. Taking readings in comfortable surroundings increases accuracy. Telehealth is also cost-effective and offers easy access to healthcare, and it’s safe, mainly due to COVID-19 risks compared to in-person visits.
On the other hand, make sure you have a reliable internet connection, appropriate devices, and health insurance for ease of access. Also, as you prepare for an appointment, write down any questions beforehand, contact your insurance provider, and make sure your setup is ready.