High Blood Pressure:
Tips for keeping
it under control
You can have high blood pressure (HBP) and still feel just fine.
That’s because HBP does not cause symptoms. But, HBP (sometimes
called hypertension) is a major health problem. If not treated, it
can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other health
problems. The good news is that there are ways you can prevent and
control HBP and the trouble it can cause.
What Is HBP?
As
blood flows from your heart to your blood vessels, it pushes against
the walls of your blood vessels. This pressure is measured in
millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The reading often is recorded as two
numbers—the pressure while the heart beats (systolic pressure) over
the pressure while the heart relaxes between beats (diastolic
pressure). The numbers are written one above or before the other.
The systolic number comes first, or on top, and the diastolic number
comes second, or on
the bottom.
Normal blood pressure is less than 130 mmHg systolic and less than
85 mmHg diastolic (130/85 or lower). Doctors will say your blood
pressure is too high when it measures 140/90 mmHg or higher over
time.
People who have blood pressure in the range of 130-139/85-89 mmHg
may be at risk of developing HBP. If your blood pressure measures in
this range, you should think about making lifestyle changes to
improve your blood pressure.
Do You Have HBP?
Get your blood pressure checked when you see your doctor to find out
if you have HBP. Your doctor may say your blood pressure is high if
it measures too high at two or more checkups. Your doctor also may
ask you to check your blood pressure at home at different times of
the day.
What If Just the First Number Is High?
For older people, the first number (systolic) often is high (greater
than 140 mmHg), while the second number (diastolic) is normal (less
than 90 mmHg). This condition is called isolated systolic
hypertension (ISH). For most people, systolic blood pressure rises
over time as they age. Diastolic blood pressure rises only until
about age 55 and then starts to go down. ISH is the most common form
of HBP in older people.
ISH can lead to serious health problems. It should be treated.
Treatment can save lives, reduce illness, and improve a person’s
quality of life. Yet, many older people do not have their high
systolic blood pressure under control. If your systolic pressure is
over 140 mmHg, ask your doctor how you can lower it.
How Can You Prevent and Control HBP?
There is a lot you can do to prevent HBP. These same healthy habits
will help you keep HBP under control.
Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight adds to your risk of HBP.
Ask your doctor if your weight puts you at risk for HBP and if
you need to lose weight.
Exercise each day. Moderate exercise can lower your risk of
heart disease. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days
a week or more. Check with your doctor before starting a new
exercise plan if you have a chronic health problem, or if you
are over age 40 (men) or 50 (women).
Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
foods. A healthy diet is important. To control HBP, eat a diet
rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
products.
Cut down on salt. Most Americans eat more salt than they need. A
low-salt diet will help lower your blood pressure. Also, avoid
foods that come already prepared, as they often are high in
salt. Talk with your doctor about your salt intake.
Drink less alcohol. Drinking alcohol can affect your blood
pressure. The effect is different for each person. As a general
rule, scientists suggest that men limit alcohol to no more than
two drinks a day. For women and lighter weight people, they
suggest no more than one drink a day.
Take your HBP medicine just as your doctor directs. If lifestyle
changes alone do not control your HBP, your doctor may tell you
to take blood pressure medicine. You may need to take your HBP
medicine for the rest of your life. If you have questions about
your medicine, talk to your doctor.
HBP Facts
If you have HBP, remember that:
·
HBP may not make you feel sick, but it is serious. See a
doctor to treat it.
·
You can lower your blood pressure by changing your daily
habits and, if needed, by taking medicine. If you need
to take HBP medicine, these lifestyle changes may help
lower the dose you need and lessen side effects.
·
Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take. Be sure
to mention over-the-counter drugs. They may affect your
blood pressure. They also can affect how well your blood
pressure medicine works.
·
Take your blood pressure medicine at the same time each
day. For example, take your medicine in the morning with
breakfast or in the evening after brushing your teeth.
If you miss a dose of your medicine, do not double the
dose the next day. Call your doctor to find out what to
do.
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