What Is Blood Pressure?
How Do You Know When You Have High Blood Pressure?
Usually when you are sick, you feel tired, weak, or you may hurt. With high blood pressure you may feel fine, nothing feels different, but you are sick, it is truly a silent killer. When you have your blood pressure checked, a blood pressure cuff is placed around your arm and measures the push of your blood against the cuff. There are different sizes of cuffs for different arm sizes for more accurate readings. You may need to have this done more than just one time, so the doctor or nurse can see if your blood pressure stays high.
All of us have blood pressure - the push of blood as it flows through the body. The top number (systolic) tells when the heart is beating and pushing the blood into the body. The bottom number (diastolic) tells when the heart is relaxed and letting the blood flow through the body. If the push is too great, you have high blood pressure (HBP), and you must do something about it. Generally a pressure of 140/90 or more is considered high. Optimal blood pressure would be 120/80. For people who have diabetes (sugar), normal blood pressure is considered at less than 130/85. Having HBP causes your heart to work harder by constantly having to push harder against the pressure in your blood vessels to get the same circulation. This can cause the heart to enlarge and cause heart failure, leading to heart attack. Blood pressure depends upon a person’s age, sex, and body build. Some factors that can affect blood pressure normally are: physical activity, time of day, emotions, eating, smoking, or various types of stress.
blood pressure. The pills won’t cure your high blood pressure, but they will control it so you can keep on living a healthy life. Some men worry that their medicine may cause sexual dysfunction (impotence). If this is a concern, do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor says that you should. It is important to take your medicine to keep your blood pressure in control. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. He or she may be able to prescribe a different medication.
How Can You Treat High Blood Pressure?
Although mild to high blood pressure may be treated with changes in diet, physical activity level, and lifestyle, you may need to take medicine to control high blood pressure.
Important Things To Know
1. It is possible to feel normal with high blood pressure (HBP). It is also called hypertension (HTN). It is called the silent killer since HBP can be present for years without your knowing about it. It’s important to have regular checkups at your doctor’s office. 2. If you have high blood pressure, you need to take your blood pressure pills every day, no matter how you feel. 3. One of six adults in the United States has high blood pressure. 4. Having high blood pressure increases your risk of getting heart or kidney disease, or of having a stroke.
What Can You Do To Improve High Blood Pressure?
Maintain a healthy weight Get regular exercise Eat low calorie snacks Eat less at every meal Eat less fried foods Choose foods that are lower in fat and sodium If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation
Tips For Being More Active
Being more active is a good way to help lower your blood pressure and lose weight. Here are some simple ideas. Of course, check with your doctor before you start exercising. Take a walk at lunchtime or after dinner Get off the bus one or two stops early and walk the rest of the way Go dancing Park farther away from the store or office Work in the yard or garden Include your family to make it more fun
Follow the Doctor’s Advice
If you are found to have high blood pressure, the doctor or nurse will tell you what to do to control it. Be sure to do what they say. Do ask questions. Discuss any problems about your treatment or your medications with your doctor. Keep a record of your blood pressure readings. You may have to take medicine (usually pills) every day of your life to control your high
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Some groups of people are at a higher risk of having HBP. These include: overweight people, smokers, African-Americans, older people (especially people over 65), women after menopause, or people with a family history of high blood pressure.
Get Your Family To Help You
Your family needs you and wants you to be a healthy and active person. Be sure to tell them about your high blood pressure. They can help you follow what your doctor says by: • Reminding you to take your pills. • Helping you lose weight and stay active. • Serving fewer salty and high-fat foods at home. You can help your family, too. Have them check their blood pressure the way you did.
You Can Keep A Record Of Your Blood Pressures Here
DATE SYSTOLIC DIASTOLIC
Why is it important to monitor high blood pressure levels and try to control them with medications, nutrition, and/or exercise?
HBP can lead to heart attacks, heart failure, kidney damage, blindness, circulation problems and other medical problems, all of which increase the risk of death, and decrease the quality of life.
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