The older you become the
more likely it is that you will be diagnosed with high blood pressure
(HBP). Hypertension is a blood pressure reading
of over 140 (upper number or systolic pressure), and higher than 90 (lower
number or diastolic pressure). Systolic
pressure is the number measured when your heart beats and diastolic is the
number when your heart is at rest between beats. You can have HBP for years and not
experience any symptom which is why it is known as the silent killer. HBP is the blood pushing against artery walls
more forcefully (higher pressure) which is how damage is caused over a period
of time. People with HPB are at an
added risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious
complications.
Blood pressure should be
checked on several different occasions over a period of a couple of weeks. Blood pressure can be checked at home with a
home blood pressure measurement device or monitor. It is important that you
know how to use the monitor correctly and that the cuff fits you properly. For
example, a cuff that is too small may give you a reading that is higher than it
actually is.
Once it is established
that you have suffer from hypertension, there are a number of things you can do
to improve the situation. It is
recommended that you:
- Limit your intake of sodium (some studies suggest no more than a teaspoon a day)
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
- Control your weight, and if you have a high BMI, try and reduce your weight
- Follow the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension which is a low-fat diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and grains
There are several
different categories of drugs that are used to treat hypertension. Sometimes a doctor may prescribe a
combination of drugs. Even with taking
the medications, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle.
For informational purposes only, please
consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your
health.
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Sources:
aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/high-blood-pressure/
nihseniorhealth.gov/highbloodpressure/symptomsanddiagnosis/01.html
