The most important information
The term “high blood pressure” (hypertension) is the term used to describe when the blood pressure of a person is always higher than it is supposed to be.
The high blood pressure increases 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 check-ups of blood pressure are crucial.
High blood pressure is treatable by adjusting your lifestyle and taking medications.
Lifestyle changes alone may be 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. This is described and measured using two numbers (for instance 130/90mmHg).
It is measured as mmHg which stands for millimetres of mercury’.
Systolic Pressure is the greater number, and represents the heart’s pressure contracting and pushing blood through your blood vessels.
Diastolic pressure is a lower number and refers to the tension in the arteries that occurs between heartbeats (when your heart at rest and filling up with blood).
The measurements of blood pressure are typically described as the systolic systolic tension ‘over’ diastolic. For instance, 120/80mmHg could be called “120 over 80′.
What can I do to determine whether my blood pressure is high (hypertension)?
The high blood pressure, often referred to as hypertension, doesn’t generally result in symptoms. You won’t be able to tell whether you have high blood pressure unless it is assessed by a medical professional.
Certain people might have nosebleeds, headaches, or feel tired however, these symptoms generally happen only when the blood pressure becomes extremely excessively 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 as having hypertension.
How do you measure blood pressure?
Sphygmomanometer
Your doctor can check your blood pressure by using an instrument known as a sphygmomanometer. A sphygmomanometer is an inflatable cuff that is wrapped over your arm, and connects to a device which measures blood pressure.
When the cuff gets inflated until it is tight the pressure is temporarily stopped bleeding to the arm. As the cuff slowly deflated, blood flow is restored. Two measurements are made at different times to determine the diastolic as well as systolic pressure readings.
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Monitoring of ambulatory patients 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 your blood pressure is monitored throughout the day and at the night.
This is helpful for those who suffer from what’s known as white-coat hypertension in which their blood pressure increases at the time of the doctor’s visit, however it is lower in other scenarios. This kind of test will also reveal the changes in 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 will help them to understand the way your blood pressure fluctuates 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 pressure of blood fluctuates all through the day. It is influenced by a variety of factors like whether you’re working out, sitting, or sleeping, as well as the amount of fluid in your body.
The term “high blood pressure” (hypertension) is the case when the blood pressure of a person is consistently higher than it should be. Typically, it’s 140/90mmHg and higher. Your physician will have 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 suggested that adults get their blood pressure measured by their physician at least once every two years. Certain people might be advised to undergo more frequent blood pressure 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 blood pressure that is high (hypertension)?
The high blood pressure can increase the chance of suffering from stroke, heart disease as well as chronic kidney diseases. If you are diabetic and high blood pressure, it also puts you at 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 with high blood pressure regardless of whether they’re taking medication, must adhere to the lifestyle guidelines (see further below). Certain people 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 lowers blood pressure. The decreases are more pronounced for those who have high blood pressure. Even small increments in physical activity have been proven to lower blood pressure.
The 18-64-year-olds must complete 2.5 to five hours of moderate intensity that is 1.25 up to 2.5 hour of strenuous exercise each week. It is possible to achieve this with shorter durations of exercise. Moderate intensity activities include brisk walking or golfing, as well as swimming, and cutting the lawn. Active activities include jogging, netball, soccer, aerobics or speed cycling.
Aged 18-64, people must also perform muscle-building (or resistance) exercises at least two days each week, for example the pull-ups, lunges and squats or push-ups. They can also be used for doing weights or carrying items or digging. While doing exercises for resistance 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 need to aim for a bit of exercise every weekminimum 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 experience chest discomfort, palpitations, or sudden breathlessness while exercising, end the exercise immediately and seek medical attention.
Maintain your weight in a healthy range.
If you’re overweight even a slight 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) within a acceptable weight category.
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 maintain your blood pressure in check and also your cholesterol levels and weight.
Consume 5 servings of vegetables and 2 portions of fruits every throughout the day.
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 of sodium) If you suffer from hypertension. This is less than a teaspoon worth of sodium. Salt is a source of sodium, which is associated with high blood pressure.
Stop smoking and reduce your consumption of alcohol.
Smoking less has been proven to reduce blood pressure , and the possibility of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The advantages of quitting smoking begin immediately.
Drinking more than one regular drink a day for women and 2 for males, increases the likelihood to develop high blood pressure. Find out more information about the effects of alcohol on your health here.
Which medications are recommended for the condition of high blood pressure (hypertension)?
There are some people who discover that lifestyle changes on their own will not be enough for controlling their blood pressure, and they’ll require medications. In most cases, two kinds of medications that function in different ways are required. Sometimes, more than two are required.
Blood pressure medications (known as antihypertensives) are generally taken every throughout the day. A lot of people have to use them for the remainder all their lives. The most frequently prescribed blood pressure medications comprise ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.
Your doctor will select the appropriate medication for you according to your blood pressure readings as well as your risk for 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.
The doctor is likely to begin you on a lower dose of one medication and will review your progress a couple of weeks later. If you experience any adverse reactions, speak to your doctor right away.
