The most important information
The term “high blood pressure” (hypertension) is the term used to describe when the blood pressure of a person is constantly higher than what it is supposed to be.
High blood pressure can increase the chance of developing stroke, heart disease, as well as chronic kidney diseases.
The high blood pressure of the average person doesn’t be a sign of something, therefore regular blood pressure checks are essential.
High blood pressure is treatable through lifestyle changes and medications.
The lifestyle changes alone are enough for certain people to lower blood pressure.
How do you know blood pressure?
The pressure of blood is the force from your blood pressing against the walls in your arteries while your heart circulates blood throughout your body. The pressure is calculated and described using two numbers (for instance 130/90mmHg).
Pressure is expressed in millimetres of mercury 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 represents the blood pressure in the arteries during heartbeats (when it is at rest and filling up with blood).
Blood pressure measurements are generally described as the systolic pressure “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 generally result in symptoms. Therefore, you will not know whether you have high blood pressure without having it checked by a doctor.
There are people who have nosebleeds, headaches, or feel tired however, these symptoms generally happen only when the blood pressure becomes extremely high.
High blood pressure that is not treated can increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and the chronic kidney condition.
One in three people have been diagnosed with hypertension.
How do you measure blood pressure?
Sphygmomanometer
Your doctor can check your blood pressure with the sphygmomanometer, which is a device that measures blood pressure. A sphygmomanometer is an inflatable cuff that is wrapped over your arm, and connects to a device that monitors blood pressure.
When the cuff gets inflated until it is tight the pressure is temporarily stopped bleeding to the arm. When the cuff is gradually deflated, blood flow returns. Two measurements are made at different times to determine the diastolic as well as systolic pressure readings.
Monitoring for ambulatory conditions 24 hours a day
The blood pressure can be monitored with the 24-hour monitors for ambulatory use. Wearing a cuff and device all day long 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 in which their blood pressure increases at the time of the doctor’s visit, but falls when it’s measured in other settings. This kind of test can also provide information about the effects on the blood pressure of an individual while they sleep.
Monitoring of blood pressure at home
Your physician may suggest taking measurements on your own at home. This will help them to understand the changes in your blood pressure during the day and how it’s reacting to treatments.
Some pharmacies also offer blood pressure tests too.
What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
The blood pressure fluctuates naturally all through the day. It’s a function of many variables such as whether you’re working out, sitting, or sleeping, as well as the amount of fluid within your body.
Blood pressure that is high (hypertension) is the condition in which 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 perform several blood pressure tests at various moments before they are able to identify hypertension.
The treatment of high blood pressure does not just depend on your blood pressure measurements, it’s also contingent on additional risk factors that can lead to heart diseases as well as blood vessel diseases.
When should I get my blood pressure measured?
It is recommended that adults have their blood pressure examined by their physician at least once every two years. Some individuals may be advised to get more frequent blood pressure checks, for instance, those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Patients with diabetes must be checked for blood pressure at least once every six months if it’s not abnormal as well as every three months in the event of high blood pressure.
What are the risks that are increased due to blood pressure that is high (hypertension)?
High blood pressure raises the risk of stroke, heart disease, or chronic kidney problems. If you suffer from diabetes high blood pressure increases the risk of complications , such as eye and nerve damage.
How do I lower the blood pressure of my patients?
High blood pressure is treatable by making lifestyle changes and medications. Anyone who suffers from high blood pressure, regardless of whether or not they’re taking medication, must adhere to the lifestyle guidelines (see further below). Certain people find that changes in their lifestyle mean that they don’t require blood pressure medications or may take smaller doses.
Regularly exercise
Regular aerobic exercise can lower blood pressure. The decreases are more pronounced in those with elevated blood pressure. Even modest increments in physical activity have been found to reduce blood pressure.
Aged 18-64, you must complete 2.5 to five hours of moderate intensity which is 1.25 up to 2.5 minutes of intense exercise each week. This can be accomplished in shorter durations of exercise. 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.
The 18-64-year-olds should also engage in 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 using weights to lift objects or digging. While doing exercises for resistance it is essential to breathe properly and do not hold your breath, as it can raise blood pressure.
Seniors over 65 need to aim for a bit of daily exerciseminimum thirty minutes at a moderate level 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 an appropriate weight
If you’re overweight even a slight reduction in weight could reduce blood pressure. For instance the loss of 5kgs 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 should not be more than 94 centimetres (cm) for males less than 90cm in the case of Asian males and less than 80cm in women.
Make sure you eat a balanced and healthy diet
A balanced diet that includes diverse and nutritious food items that are in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines, will help to keep your blood pressure under control — and your cholesterol levels and weight.
Consume 5 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit each daily.
Limit your consumption of fat between 20 and 35 percent of your daily energy consumption. Eat healthy unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats.
Reduce your intake of salt to less than 4 grams daily (equivalent approximately 1600 milligrams of sodium) If you suffer from elevated blood pressure. This is less than a teaspoon worth of sodium. Salt is high in sodium and can cause high blood pressure.
Reduce your smoking habits and consumption of alcohol.
Smoking less has been proven to lower blood pressure and the possibility of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The advantages of quitting smoking begin immediately.
Drinking more than one normal drink every day for women and 2 for males, increases the likelihood for developing hypertension. Find out more information about the impact of alcohol on your health here.
What medicines are prescribed to treat hypertension (hypertension)?
There are some people who realize that lifestyle changes alone will not be enough to help with lowering blood pressure. Therefore, they’ll require medications. In most cases, two kinds of drugs that work in different ways are needed. Sometimes, more than two are required.
Blood pressure medications (known as antihypertensives) are usually taken each daily. A lot of people have to use them for the remainder of their life. The most widely utilized blood pressure medication include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.
Your physician will determine the appropriate medication for you according to your blood pressure readings and your overall risk of blood vessel and heart disease as well as any other medical issues you suffer from or medications you are taking. Your doctor may set a target blood pressure.
Your doctor may begin you on a small dose of one drug and will review your progress a couple of weeks later. If you have any side reactions, speak to your doctor right away.
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