Heart Health BLOOD PRESSURE

 The force or pressure on the inside of our arteries (blood vessels) as the blood circulates.  You cannot feel changes in blood pressure.

Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP)

What is a “good” Blood Pressure

Factors Controlling Blood Pressure  Cardiac Output  Vascular resistance  Volume  Viscosity  Elasticity of arterial walls

What can I do to prevent/control blood pressure? Risk factors I can change:  Smoking  Unhealthy Diet  Physical Inactivity  Weight  Stress  High Cholesterol  Alcohol consumption  Diabetes Management Risk factors I cannot change:  Age  Gender  Ethnicity  Family History of high blood pressure, Heart attack or stroke

What is Hypertension or High Blood Pressure

What if I have High Blood Pressure?  Monitor your blood pressure  1 high reading does not mean you have Hypertension (high blood pressure).  You need 3 or 4 high readings before diagnoses UNLESS: BP is very high and you are having symptoms

Why is it important to prevent or control blood pressure?  Constantly elevated blood pressure will cause damage to blood vessels and the organs they supply blood to. If not controlled can cause:  Strokes  Heart attack  Heart and kidney failure  Dementia  Erectile dysfunction  Eye damage

Blockage of Coronary Arteries

What are the benefits of treating high BP?  A decrease of 10/5 mm hg (one medication and/or change in Lifestyle) reduces your risk of complications as follows:

How is Blood Pressure Measured?  Blood pressure is measured using a stethoscope and a sphygmomanometer  Need to take into account cuff size

If you have high blood pressure you should:  Measure your blood pressure regularly (consider home monitoring)  See a doctor regularly  Have your cholesterol measured  Have blood sugar checked  Have you kidney function checked  Tell family members as they may be at risk as well

Home Monitoring; Why do it?  Can assist your health care provider to diagnose or rule out hypertension  Gold standard  Can monitor If your medications are working  Allows you to be in control of you own health

How do I measure my blood pressure?  If home monitoring follow directions that come with device  Only measure BP if you have time  Wait 2 hours after big meal or 30 mins after smoking or drinking coffee  Empty bowel and bladder  Rest and relax 5 minutes before taking BP

How do I measure my blood pressure? (continued)  Put cuff on bare arm/wear a t-shirt when going to physician  Measure BP in the morning before taking meds and eating and in the evening before going to bed, bathing or taking medications  Do not measure blood pressure when I am uncomfortable, cold, anxious, stressed or in pain.  Get your home monitor check yearly

Home Monitoring: Sit in a chair that supports back and beside a table that can support my arm. Do not cross legs or speak

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