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| Hypertension or high blood pressure is when the pressure inside you blood vessels is increased. As the heart beats it pumps blood and this causes pressure in the blood vessels. The top number (systolic blood pressure – SBP) in a blood pressure reading comes when the heat beats or contracts. The bottom number (diastolic blood pressure – DBP) in a blood pressure reading comes when the heart rests between beats. |
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| Most people have no symptoms! That is why it is called the “silent killer”. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked regularly. |
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| Anyone can get hypertension but there are some things that put people at higher risk.
Relatives with hypertensionAfrican AmericansDiabetesKidney diseasePregnancyHigh blood pressure during pregnancy in the pastBirth control pillsAge 35 or olderToo mush salt or sodium in the dietSedentary lifestyleBeing overweight |
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| Hypertension is diagnosed using three blood pressure readings. These readings are usually at different times. A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
| SBP (systolic blood pressure) | DBP (diastolic blood pressure) | Category |
|---|
| Less than 120 mmHg | Less than 80 mmHg | NORMAL | | 120-139 mmHg | 80-89 mmHg | PREHYPERTENSION | | More than 140 mmHg | More than 90 mmHg | HYPERTENSION |
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| Most hypertension is “essential” hypertension. This means that there is no cause that can be found. 95% of people have essential hypertension. In 5% of people hypertension is from another medical problem like kidney disease, thyroid or other gland problems, or even sleep apnea. |
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| High blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and heart failure. |
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| Essential hypertension is a lifelong disease. You will need to see your doctor regularly. Most people need medicine to control blood pressure. Remember diet and exercise are also important for controlling blood pressure. |
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| Diet
Diets that have lots of fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy can lower blood pressure. Salt or sodium also increases blood pressure. Most people should get about 2400milligrams per day. That is about 2 and one half teaspoons a day! Remember that sodium in not only in the salt shaker. Sodium is hidden in many foods like canned foods, frozen foods, lunch meats, cheese, and smoked foods.
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| | Exercise
Exercise is important in lowering blood pressure. Exercise alone can decrease blood pressure. Exercise also can cause weight loss. Losing as little as 10 pounds can lower blood pressure by 10 mmHg. If you do not exercise regularly start slowly. You need to build up to 30-60 minutes of exercise daily. Both aerobic exercise and strength training are good exercises. Aerobic exercise includes walking, running, swimming and biking. Strength training is recommended 2 to 3 times per week so your muscles can rest between work outs. Strength training uses exercise bands, weights and even canned goods for lifting and pulling. Before starting any exercise plan, talk to your doctor. If you have shortness of breath or chest pain with exercise, stop. Contact your physician for instruction before you re-start any exercise.
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| | Medication
There are many medicines to help control blood pressure. You and your doctor will decide which medicine is right. Once medicine is started it should be taken as directed by the doctor. If you have problems with the medicine call you doctor before you stop taking the medicine. Remember to get plenty of exercise and change you eating habits. These will also help control your blood pressure. |
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| 1. What I should do before a visit to my doctor.
- Write down the most important problem you have like concerns about your medication.
- There usually are no symptoms of high blood pressure, so have your blood pressure checked often.
- Write down a list of all the medicines you are taking. Include medicines you bought over the counter and herbal supplements.
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| | 2. What I should do during the visit with my doctor.
- Tell the doctor what is bothering you.
- Describe how long you have had this problem.
- Focus only on the problem you have identified.
- Ask your doctor to explain anything you don’t understand.
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| | 3. What I should do after the visit with my doctor.
- Write down what you have been told is the current problem and what your blood pressure numbers are.
- Write down the treatment options you and your doctor have talked about. Examples are eating a healthy diet that is low in dairy fat and salt, getting enough exercise, and taking any medications that your doctor gives you.
- For these treatment options and any medications your doctor gives you, write down how long you are to take it, how it will help you and what happens if you don’t take the medication or follow the treatment.
- Write down when you are to come back for your next visit or if you are to call your doctor.
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| American Heart Association: High Blood Pressure
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What is High Blood Pressure?
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Asthma
Hypertension