The most important information
Blood pressure that is high (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 possibility of 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.
Lifestyle changes alone may be enough for lowering blood pressure.
How do you know blood pressure?
The pressure in your blood is the result that your blood exerts onto 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).
It is measured as mmHg which is short for’millimetres of mercury’.
Systolic Pressure is the greater number, and represents the amount of pressure your heart is contracting and pushing blood through your arterial.
Diastolic pressure is a lower number and refers to the blood pressure in the arteries during heartbeats (when it is in 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 described as “120 over 80′.
How can I tell whether there is a high level of blood pressure (hypertension)?
The high blood pressure, sometimes referred to as hypertension, does not generally produce symptoms. Therefore, you will not know whether you have high blood pressure unless it is checked by a doctor.
There are people who suffer from nosebleeds, headaches or feel tired However, these symptoms typically happen only when the blood pressure becomes too high.
If you don’t treat high blood pressure, it increases your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and long-term kidney problems.
One in three people have been diagnosed with hypertension.
What is the method of measuring blood pressure?
Sphygmomanometer
Your doctor can check your blood pressure with an instrument known as a sphygmomanometer. A sphygmomanometer is an inflatable cuff that is wrapped over your arm, and is linked to a device that monitors 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 various points to provide the diastolic and systolic pressure readings.
Monitoring of ambulatory patients 24 hours a day
The blood pressure can be assessed using 24 hour monitoring ambulatory. The wearer is fitted with a cuff device throughout the day and the blood pressure of your patient is recorded during the day and 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 during the surgery of a doctor, however it is lower in other scenarios. This kind of testing can also provide information about the effects on the blood pressure of an individual during sleep.
Monitoring of blood pressure at home
The doctor might suggest that taking measurements on your own at home. This can help them determine 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 considered to be high blood pressure (hypertension)?
The pressure of blood fluctuates during the course of the day. It is influenced by a variety of factors like whether you’re doing exercises, sitting or sleeping, and on the amount of fluid in your body.
The term “high blood pressure” (hypertension) is the case when the blood pressure of a person is constantly higher than what it should be. Typically, it’s 140/90mmHg or more. 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 doesn’t only depend on the measurements you take; it’s also contingent on various risk factors to develop heart disease as well as blood vessel diseases.
What is the best time to check my blood pressure measured?
It is recommended that adults have their blood pressure measured by their physician at least every two years. Certain people might be advised to undergo regular checks — for instance, those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Diabetes sufferers should be checked for blood pressure at least once every six months if the pressure is normal, as well as every three months if they suffer from high blood pressure.
What risk factors are increased by hypertension? (hypertension)?
High blood pressure raises the chance of suffering from stroke, heart disease, as well as chronic kidney diseases. If you suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure, it also puts you at chance of developing complications like damage to the eye and nerves.
How do I reduce the blood pressure of my patients?
High blood pressure is treatable by adjusting your lifestyle and taking medications. Every person with high blood pressure regardless of whether or not they’re taking medication, must follow 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 smaller doses.
Engage in regular physical exercise
Regular aerobic exercise can lower blood pressure. The reductions are higher for those who have high blood pressure. Even modest increments in physical activity have been proven to lower blood pressure.
Aged 18-64, you must complete 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise that is 1.25 up to 2.5 hour of strenuous exercise each week. It is possible to achieve this with smaller amounts of time. Moderate intensity activities include brisk walking in the golf course, swimming, or cutting the lawn. Active activities include jogging, netball, soccer, aerobics or even fast cycling.
The 18-64-year-olds 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. When performing resistance exercises it is essential to breathe properly and do not hold your breath, as it can raise blood pressure.
Seniors over 65 must aim to engage in some daily exerciseat least 30-minutes of moderate-intensity every day. Anything is better than nothing, and it is possible to gradually increase your activity until you reach the desired total.
If you notice any chest discomfort, palpitations or sudden breathlessness while exercising, end the exercise immediately and seek medical assistance.
Maintain your weight in a healthy range.
If you’re overweight, even a slight loss of weight can lower 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 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 diverse and nutritious food items 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 fruits every throughout the day.
Limit your intake of fats between 20 and 35 percent of your energy consumption. Choose healthy unsaturated fats in place of saturated fats.
Reduce your intake of salt to less than 4 grams daily (equivalent about 1600 mg a day of sodium) in the event of elevated blood pressure. This is less than a teaspoon worth of sodium. Salt is a source of sodium, which is associated with high blood pressure.
Reduce your smoking habits and consumption of alcohol.
The absence of smoking has been proven to lower blood pressure and the chance of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The advantages of quitting smoking begin immediately.
Consuming more than one regular drink a day for women and 2 for males, increases the likelihood for developing hypertension. Learn more about the impact of alcohol on your health here.
Which medications are recommended for the condition of high blood pressure (hypertension)?
There are some people who realize that lifestyle changes alone will not be enough to manage their blood pressure. Therefore, they’ll require medications. Most often, two types of drugs that work 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 of their life. The most widely utilized blood pressure medication comprise ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.
Your physician will determine the best medicine 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 small dose of one medication and then review your progress couple of weeks later. If you experience any adverse reactions, speak to your doctor immediately.
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