Blood Pressure

WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR HYPERTENSION?

It refers to the force or pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels, also known as arteries.
Normal Blood Pressure: 120(systolic) / 80(diastolic) mmHg
The first (or top) number is your systolic blood pressure. It is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heartbeats.
The second (or bottom) number is your diastolic blood pressure.  It is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetre Mercury.

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WHEN DO I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE ALSO KNOWN AS HYPERTENSION?

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When systolic is > 140-160mmHg.
When diastolic is > than 85mmHg patient must change his/her lifestyle;
> 90 mmHg patient must get medicine;
> 95mmHg patient is not controlled on current medicine
>above 100mmHg patient will be referred to hospital (Hypertensive crisis).

 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

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  • Severe headache Nosebleeds
  • Fatigue or confusion
  • Vision problems
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Buzzing in ears
  • Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears.

UNCONTROLLED HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CAN LEAD TO:

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  • Heart attack or stroke.
  • Aneurysm.
  • Heart failure.
  • Weakened and narrowed blood vessels in your kidneys.
  • Thickened narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes.
  • Metabolic syndrome.
  • Trouble with memory or understanding.

 

 

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

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  • Get active – start exercise – high repetition
  • Control cholesterol – Unprocessed food high in Omega, low in saturated fat?
  • Eat better – Less Salt
  • Lose weight – Maintain a healthy weight Quit smoking
  • Reduce stress
  • Control blood glucose
  • Monitor blood pressure on a regular basis



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