What does assessing blood pressure help detect?

Assessing blood pressure is a critical part of evaluating an individual’s cardiovascular health, as it directly identifies hypertension (elevated blood pressure) and hypotension (lowered blood pressure). Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms but is a significant risk factor for serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Regular blood pressure assessments enable healthcare professionals to monitor changes over time and implement preventive or corrective measures when needed.

In contrast, the other options focus on different health aspects that are not specifically related to blood pressure measurements. Nutritional deficiencies and vitamin levels require different testing methods, such as blood tests that analyze specific micronutrients. Bone density assessments are typically performed using imaging techniques, such as DEXA scans, to evaluate bone health rather than being indicated by blood pressure levels. Thus, monitoring blood pressure is specifically tailored to detect issues regarding hypertension and hypotension, making it essential for managing cardiovascular health effectively.