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
ANIMATION