The most important information
The term “high blood pressure” (hypertension) is the term used to describe when your blood pressure is constantly higher than what it should be.
The high blood pressure increases the chance of developing stroke, heart disease, or chronic kidney damage.
A high blood pressure does not usually present symptoms, which is why regular check-ups of blood pressure are crucial.
High blood pressure can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medications.
The lifestyle changes alone are enough to lower blood pressure.
Is blood pressure a sign of health?
The pressure in your blood is the result from your blood pressing against the walls of your blood vessels when your heart circulates blood throughout your body. The pressure is calculated and described using two numbers (for instance 130/90mmHg).
It is measured as mmHg which is short for’millimetres of mercury’.
Systolic pressure is the highest number, and represents the heart’s pressure expanding and pushing blood through your blood vessels.
Diastolic pressure is a lower number and refers to the blood pressure in the arteries during heartbeats (when your heart at rest and filling up with blood).
The measurements of blood pressure are typically called the systolic systolic tension ‘over’ diastolic. For example, 120/80mmHg might be called “120 over 80”.
How can I tell whether my blood pressure is high (hypertension)?
The high blood pressure, sometimes referred to as hypertension, does not typically produce symptoms. Therefore, you will not know whether you have high blood pressure unless it is checked by a doctor.
Certain people might suffer from nosebleeds, headaches or feel tired However, these symptoms typically happen only when the blood pressure becomes too high.
High blood pressure that is not treated can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and the chronic kidney condition.
About 1 in 3 have been diagnosed with hypertension.
How do you measure blood pressure?
Sphygmomanometer
Your doctor can check your blood pressure by using the sphygmomanometer, which is a device that measures blood pressure. A sphygmomanometer is an inflatable cuff that is wrapped the upper part of your body and is linked to a device which measures blood pressure.
When the cuff gets inflated until it is tight the pressure is temporarily stopped circulation to arm. As the cuff slowly deflated, blood flow returns. Two measurements are made at different times to determine the diastolic and systolic pressure readings.
Monitoring for ambulatory conditions 24 hours a day
The blood pressure can be assessed using the 24-hour monitors for ambulatory use. The wearer is fitted with a cuff device throughout the day and the blood pressure of your patient is recorded throughout the day and at the night.
This is beneficial for people who suffer from what’s known as white-coat hypertension which is when the blood pressure is elevated at the time of the doctor’s visit, however it is lower in other settings. This kind of test can also provide information about the effects on the blood pressure of an individual during sleep.
Monitoring of blood pressure at home
Your physician may suggest you do a self-measurement while at home. This can help them determine the way your blood pressure fluctuates during the day and how it’s reacting to treatments.
Certain pharmacies provide blood pressure screenings too.
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What is considered to be high blood pressure (hypertension)?
The blood pressure fluctuates naturally all through the day. It is influenced by a variety of factors like whether you’re working out, sitting, or sleeping, and on the amount of fluid that is present within your body.
The term “high blood pressure” (hypertension) is the case when the blood pressure of a person is consistently higher than it is supposed to be: typically 140/90mmHg and higher. Your doctor may need to conduct several tests at various moments before they are able to identify hypertension.
The treatment of high blood pressure does not just depend on the measurements you take; it’s also based on your various risk factors to develop heart disease as well as blood vessel diseases.
What is the best time to get my blood pressure measured?
It is suggested that adults get their blood pressure measured by their physician at least every two years. Some individuals may be advised to get regular checks — for instance, those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Patients with diabetes must check their blood pressure at least once every six months if the pressure is normal, or every 3 months if they suffer from high blood pressure.
What are the risks that are increased due to hypertension? (hypertension)?
High blood pressure raises the risk of stroke, heart disease as well as chronic kidney diseases. If you suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure, it also increases the risk of complications , such as damage to the eye and nerves.
How do I lower the blood pressure of my patients?
High blood pressure is treatable by adjusting your lifestyle and taking medications. Anyone who suffers from high blood pressure, regardless of whether or not they’re taking medication, must adhere to the guidelines for living a healthy lifestyle (see the section below). Some people may find that improvement in their lifestyles mean they no longer require medication for blood pressure or can be on less of them.
Engage in regular physical exercise
Regular aerobic exercise can lower blood pressure. The reductions are higher for those who have elevated blood pressure. Even small increments in physical activity have been found to reduce blood pressure.
The 18-64-year-olds need to complete 2.5 to five hours of moderate intensity that is 1.25 up to 2.5 minutes of intense exercise each week. This can be accomplished in smaller amounts of time. Moderate-intensity activities include walking in the golf course, swimming, or cutting the lawn. The most vigorous activity is jogging netball, soccer, aerobics or even fast cycling.
Aged 18-64, people must also perform muscle-building (or resistance) exercises at least two days every week, including the pull-ups, lunges and squats or push-ups. They can also be used for doing weights or carrying items or digging. When performing resistance exercises it is essential to breathe in a normal way and do not hold your breath, as this can increase blood pressure.
Aged 65 and over must aim to engage in some exercise every weekat least 30-minutes of moderate-intensity the majority of days. Anything is better than nothing, and you can progress to your goal total.
If you notice any chest discomfort, palpitations or sudden breathlessness while exercising, discontinue the exercise and seek medical assistance.
Maintain your weight in a healthy range.
If you’re overweight even a small loss of weight can lower blood pressure. For instance losing 5kg has been proven to lower blood pressure systolic by about 7mmHg.
Maintain the Body Mass Index (BMI) in a normal weight-to-weight range.
Your waist circumference must be less than 94 centimetres (cm) for males and less than 90cm for Asian males and less than 80cm in women.
Make sure you eat a balanced and healthy diet
A balanced diet that includes various nutritious foods and in line with Dietary Guidelines, will help maintain your blood pressure in check — and your weight and cholesterol levels.
Consume 5 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit each daily.
Limit your consumption of fat between 20 and 35 percent of your energy consumption. Eat healthy unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats.
Reduce your intake of salt to less than 4 grams daily (equivalent about 1600 mg a day of sodium) If you suffer from elevated blood pressure. It’s less than one teaspoon worth of sodium. Salt is high in sodium and can cause high blood pressure.
Stop smoking and reduce your consumption of alcohol.
The absence of smoking has been proven to reduce blood pressure , and the possibility of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The advantages of quitting smoking are immediate.
Consuming more than one regular drink a day for women and 2 for men increases the likelihood for developing hypertension. Learn more about the effects of alcohol on your health here.
Which medications are recommended for the condition of high blood pressure (hypertension)?
Certain people may discover that lifestyle changes on their own will not be enough to manage their blood pressure. Therefore, they’ll require medication. Most often, two types of medications that function in different ways are required. Sometimes, more than 2 are needed.
Blood pressure medications (known as antihypertensives) are usually taken each daily. A lot of people have to use them for the remainder all their lives. The most widely prescribed blood pressure medications include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.
Your physician will determine the appropriate medication for you according to the blood pressure measurement as well as your risk for blood vessel diseases and heart as well as any other medical issues you suffer from or medications you are taking. Your doctor may set a target blood pressure.
The doctor is likely to begin you on a lower dose of one medication and then review your progress couple of weeks later. If you have any side symptoms, inform your doctor right away.