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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