Chronic Conditions
High
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a measurement of
the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure readings
include 2 numbers, for example, 130/80. The first number in the reading is called
the systolic pressure. It is the force that blood exerts on the artery walls
as the heart contracts. The second number in the reading is the diastolic pressure.
It is the force that blood exerts on the artery walls between heartbeats, when
the heart is at rest.
If a person's blood pressure readings
are consistently above 140 systolic and 90 diastolic, he or she is said
to have high blood pressure (hypertension).
Despite what a lot of people think,
high blood pressure usually does
not cause headaches, dizziness, or
lightheadedness. It usually has no
symptoms. However, high blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack,
stroke, and kidney or eye damage. Your risk of developing these problems increases
as your blood pressure rises.
Risk factors for high blood pressure
include:
-
Having a family history of high blood pressure.
Being of African-American descent.
Having an inactive lifestyle.
Drinking too much alcohol.
Having too much salt or not enough potassium, calcium, or
magnesium in the diet.
Using certain medications,
including birth control pills,
steroids, decongestants, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Changes in your lifestyle may help you prevent high blood pressure
or help you lower your blood pressure if it's too high.
Maintain a healthy weight. This is especially important
if you tend to put on weight around the waist rather than in the hips
and thighs. Losing even 4.5 kg (10 lb) can help you lower your blood pressure.
Exercise regularly. Thirty to 45 minutes of brisk walking
3 to 5 times a week will help you lower your blood pressure (and may also
help you lose weight).
Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Use salt moderately. Too much salt in the diet can be a
problem for some people who have high blood pressure and are also salt-sensitive.
Make sure you get enough potassium, calcium, and magnesium
in your diet. Eating plenty of fruits (such as bananas and oranges), vegetables,
legumes, and low-fat dairy products will ensure that you get enough of
these minerals.
Reduce the saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fat is
found in animal products (milk, cheese, and meat). Limiting these foods
will help you lose weight and also lower your risk for coronary artery
disease. See Fats
in Foods.
Stop using tobacco products. Tobacco use increases your
risk for heart attack and stroke. See
Be Tobacco-Free for tips to help you quit.
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Follow the Prevention tips above even more closely if you
already have high blood pressure.
Take any prescribed blood pressure medications exactly
as directed, and see your doctor at least once a year.
If you are taking blood pressure medication, talk to your
doctor before taking decongestants or anti-inflammatory drugs, because
they can raise your blood pressure.
Call immediately if you have high blood pressure and:
Your blood pressure rises suddenly.
Your blood pressure is 180/110 or higher.
You have a sudden, severe headache that is worse than
any headache you've had before.
Call if your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 on 2
or more occasions (taken at home or in a community screening program).
If one blood pressure reading is high, have another taken by a health
professional to verify the first reading.
Call if you develop uncomfortable or disturbing side effects
from any medication taken for high blood pressure.
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