What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood in the arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The first is the pressure when the heart beats (known as systolic pressure); the second when the heart rests (known as diastolic pressure). Normal blood pressure ranges between 90/60 and 140/90.
Low blood pressure – You have low blood pressure when the reading is lower than (90/60). The condition of blood pressure being too low is known as hypotension. In this condition, the amount of blood reaching your brain and other organs may be restricted. Sometimes, it may make you light-headed and dizzy.
High blood pressure – On the other hand, you have high blood pressure when the second reading is above 140/90, also known as hypertension. More serious than low blood pressure, high blood pressure may not occur to you with any obvious symptoms, but is often called the silent killer. You may never know if you have high blood pressure until you get it checked. High blood pressure strains your heart and arteries, elevating your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
It may lead to kidney disease and dementia.
Keeping Blood Pressure in Normal Levels
Certain lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure levels and also help keep them in the normal range. These lifestyle modifications are- losing weight if you are overweight, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, moderate alcohol consumption, kicking the smoking habit, and decreasing salt and caffeine intake.
What causes swings in blood pressure levels?
There is no one single cause, but a number of factors that may contribute to the chances of your developing high or low blood pressure. Sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, family history of blood pressure conditions, unhealthy diet (more salt intake and deficient in fruits/vegetables), heavy caffeine and alcohol intake ups the risk of blood pressure conditions. You should consider having your blood pressure checked regularly if you fall into any of these categories.
How Is Blood Pressure Measured?
Measurement of blood pressure is the easy and painless procedure. Before your blood pressure is measured you will be asked to follow certain instructions like;
Avoid coffee and smoking cigarettes for 30 minutes before the test (as these can cause a rise in blood pressure).
Go to the bathroom to urinate before the test (as a full bladder can alter the blood pressure reading).
Sit and relax for 5 minutes before your BP is measured.
Blood pressure is usually measured in a doctor’s office with a device known as a sphygmomanometer. A sphygmomanometer has an arm cuff, dial, pump, and valve. Your doctor will use a stethoscope also. Ask your doctor for your blood pressure numbers is he or she does not tell you.
Protect Yourself from Stroke:
Have your Blood Pressure Measured Regularly
Monitoring Blood Pressure at Home
Home monitoring is one way you can keep a tab on your blood pressure. You can figure out potential health complications and report the same to your doctor from time-to-time. Nowadays, markets are flooded with self-test blood pressure devices. These devices are accurate and easy-to-use. They cut down on the number of visits you need to make to your doctor or clinic and you gain a stronger sense of responsibility towards your health.
Learn and understand the risks related to blood pressure; stay aware of your health status and make sure you incorporate healthy habits to lower the risk of succumbing to blood pressure conditions.
High Blood Pressure
Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure
Accurate measurement of BP is needed to diagnose high blood pressure and for successful management as well. Your doctor will use a sphygmomanometer to measure your blood pressure (BP). At times an electronic instrument may be used to measure your blood pressure. If your BP is high when measured by electronic BP instrument, your doctor will measure your BP manually. The sphygmomanometer is most accurate for measurement of BP.
High blood pressure (HBP) is diagnosed based on the results of blood pressure tests. As blood pressure can vary, your doctor will take several readings to confirm that the results are correct. If your BP is high you will be asked to return to recheck your BP and for more tests as required.
The normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg. If your systolic and/or diastolic pressures are more than 140/90 mmHg on several occasions, your doctor may diagnose it as hypertension. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, blood pressure reading above 130/80 mmHg will be considered high. HBP ranges in children are different as it varies according to age, sex, height and weight.
High blood pressure (HBP) is diagnosed based on the results of blood pressure tests. As blood pressure can vary, your doctor will take several readings to confirm that the results are correct. If your BP is high you will be asked to return to recheck your BP and for more tests as required.
The normal blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg. If your systolic and/or diastolic pressures are more than 140/90 mmHg on several occasions, your doctor may diagnose it as hypertension. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, blood pressure reading above 130/80 mmHg will be considered high. HBP ranges in children are different as it varies according to age, sex, height and weight.
High Blood Pressure Tests
If your systolic and/or diastolic pressures are more than 140/90 mmHg on several occasions, your doctor will diagnose it as hypertension. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, blood pressure reading above 130/80 mmHg will be considered high.
Some tests which your doctor will recommend before initiating therapy include;
-Echocardiogram: This is a test measured chambers and a wall thickness of the heart and the function of the heart.
-Blood tests such as measurement of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium), blood urea and creatinine levels (these assess the kidney function and health)
-Lipid profile to measure cholesterol level and triglyceride levels
-Special tests for hormones of the adrenal gland or thyroid gland
-Urine tests for electrolytes, proteins and hormones
-Eye examination to look for changes and damage in the retina (hypertensive retinopathy) using an ophthalmoscope
-Blood glucose to rule out diabetes
-Other tests such as ultrasound of the kidneys, CT scan of the abdomen, or both to assess the changes and damage to the kidneys and adrenal glands.
To keep the problem at bay and avoid going to the doctor, you can indulge in some of the following activities. Diet, exercise and medication when required are the best options for treatment of hypertension. But some supplements and relaxation techniques may help you to control your high blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure: A Rising Risk for Kids & Teens
Reported cases of high blood pressure in children have been increasing exponentially over the years. The reasons behind shooting blood pressure in children include existing medical conditions such as diabetes, inappropriate food practices or lack of physical exercise.
High Blood Pressure in Adolescents
According to kids health.org, about three percent of kids are marred by high blood pressure
In newborn babies, the condition of high blood pressure is a consequence of premature delivery, birth defects and kidney or heart problems
High blood pressure in growing children is also linked to childhood obesity
A family history of hypertension and an unhealthy lifestyle, which encompasses poor dietary choices, excess weight, stress and insufficient physical activity, may also lead to high blood pressure
If high blood pressure is ignored and left untreated, the consequences could damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes
Its timely administration and treatment can make a child healthy.
Administration of High Blood Pressure in Adolescents
If the root cause of hypertension is an illness, treatment of the same should be done to normalize blood pressure, though health experts still advise that the patient continue weight management, increase intake of fruits and vegetables, increase engagement in physical activities to manage blood pressure
Physicians do not prescribe medication for adolescents with mild hypertension. If lifestyle moderation does not bring improvement, medical prescriptions become necessary
Regular physical exercises and involvement in sports are encouraged for patients with hypertension. Physical exercises are prescribed only in an unusual situation of hypertension being very severe. Exercise regimen should resume after blood pressure is normalized with the help of medications
If a child is undergoing the weight-loss program, a health care provider should be consulted to review the regimen if blood pressure continues to rise. Intense training is not advised for adolescents with high blood pressure.
Adolescents with high blood pressure should abstain from bad habits, such as smoking, which can render several long-term health complications
Long-Term Consequences of High Blood Pressure
Heart and arteries get overburdened in a patient with high blood pressure. Any dysfunction of heart or arteries may affect other organs and disrupt bodily functions
Risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, loss of vision and atherosclerosis multiplies manifolds
Prolonged high blood pressure can cause frequent headaches, changes in vision, heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness and nosebleeds
Another Complication Worth Considering
End-stage renal disease, stroke, or heart attack are well-known complications of high blood pressure. Some recent studies have shown that men with high blood pressure are 2.5 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction as compared to men with normal blood pressure.
Risk Factors for Hypertension in Younger Men
Risk and rate of high blood pressure are increasing in younger men according to experts. High blood pressure in younger men is just as serious as in their older counterparts. Certain factors which increase the risk of high blood pressure in younger men include:
Obesity or high body mass index
Metabolic syndrome - this is a cluster of factors present in an individual (like excess body fat especially in waist and chest region, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance). These factors increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes
The family history of high blood pressure
Stress, anxiety, and anger - Management of these may be more important for younger men to control high blood pressure.
If your doctor diagnoses high blood pressure does not ignore it. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of several complications. Currently available drugs are very safe and effective in the management of high blood pressure. Follow your doctor’s advice and take your prescribed medications regularly.
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure in Children and Teens
According to experts blood pressure should be measured in all children three years of age or older when they go for their yearly checkup
Blood pressure in children and teens is measured in the same way as in adults using a sphygmomanometer. But the cuff used for children is smaller than the cuff used in adults.
To find confirm if your child’s BP reading is high your doctor will compare his or her blood pressure with the numbers that are considered normal for his or her age, height, and gender.
Blood pressure in children and teens is measured in the same way as in adults using a sphygmomanometer. But the cuff used for children is smaller than the cuff used in adults.
To find confirm if your child’s BP reading is high your doctor will compare his or her blood pressure with the numbers that are considered normal for his or her age, height, and gender.
Treatment of HB Pressure( Hypertension)
Hypertension or high blood pressure is also known as the silent killer. It may cause no symptoms but can do immense harm to the body like it increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Treatment of hypertension aims is to lower high blood pressure to levels to protect important organs, like the brain, heart, and kidneys from damage. According to studies appropriate treatment of hypertension reduces the risk of stroke (by 35%-40%), heart attack (by 20%-25%), and heart failure (more than 50%).
The blood pressure treatment goal depends on your health and associated conditions like;
- - 140/90 mm Hg or lower for healthy adults
- - 130/80 mm Hg or lower for people with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease and people at high risk of coronary artery disease
- - 120/80 mm Hg or lower for people who have severe heart disease (that is their heart isn't pumping as well as it should like people with left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure) or severe chronic kidney disease
For adults older than 80 years with very high blood pressure the target blood pressure goal may be set slightly higher than 140/90 mm Hg.
According to expert’s treatment of hypertension in younger men includes lifestyle modifications and if required medications.
- - Weight reduction: If you are obese reduce your weight and aim for a target body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9.
- - DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan: Your diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and low in saturated and total fat.
- - Limit your salt intake to less than 1,600-milligrams sodium daily. Reducing salt in the diet is equivalent to a single drug therapy.
- - Do regular exercises or any other physical activity (moderate physical activity for 30 minutes on most days of the week is also adequate).
- - Limit alcohol intake (men to less than 2 drinks per day and women with less than 1 drink per day)
If your blood pressure is not controlled by lifestyle modifications, then you will be prescribed medications by your doctor. Currently, several types medications are available for treatment of high blood pressure.
Younger men without treatment, have a higher risk of developing an end-stage renal disease, stroke, or heart attack later in life.
Hypertension Treatment: Younger Vs Older Men
In younger men, the diastolic pressure tends to be higher as the heart is pumping harder. While in older men the systolic pressure tends to be higher as the arteries stiffen with age.
Hypertension was rare in younger men a few decades ago but rising obesity rates according to experts has led to increased risk and incidence of hypertension in younger men.
Treatment of high blood pressure involves:
- Lifestyle changes and
- Medications
Lifestyle Changes: If your systolic BP is between 120-139 and diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 it is considered as prehypertension. Prehypertension is known to increase your risk of developing hypertension later on. Your doctor will advise lifestyle changes (like losing weight, eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet, exercising daily, limiting alcoholic intake, and not smoking) and regular follow up to measure blood pressure. Most people with prehypertension do not need medications but if you have diabetes or kidney disease your doctor will start blood pressure medications at blood pressure of 130/80mmHg.
Medications: If your blood pressure is more than 140/90 mmHg your doctor will start medications to lower your blood pressure and advice lifestyle changes (like losing weight, eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet, exercising daily, limiting alcoholic intake, and not smoking). Your doctor will start blood pressure medications at BP of 130/80mmHg if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Diagnosing High Blood Pressure in Children and Teens
According to experts blood pressure should be measured in all children three years of age or older when they go for their yearly checkup
Blood pressure in children and teens is measured in the same way as in adults using a sphygmomanometer. But the cuff used for children is smaller than the cuff used in adults.
To find confirm if your child’s BP reading is high your doctor will compare his or her blood pressure with the numbers that are considered normal for his or her age, height, and gender.
Blood pressure in children and teens is measured in the same way as in adults using a sphygmomanometer. But the cuff used for children is smaller than the cuff used in adults.
To find confirm if your child’s BP reading is high your doctor will compare his or her blood pressure with the numbers that are considered normal for his or her age, height, and gender.
High Blood Pressure Medication Guidelines
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure your doctor will prescribe blood pressure medication. If you have complications related to high blood pressure you will be treated for it. But it is important that you follow certain guidelines when you're on prescription drugs. Here are some points that you ought to remember:
- - Make sure that you know the names of your medications (generic and brand names), their dosages, and side effects. Make a list of the medications that you take and keep it with you.
- - When you consult a doctor, make sure you tell him about the prescribed medications and if possible the dose of the medications that you take.
- - Take all your medications regularly and at the same time. Do not stop or change your medications without consulting your doctor.
- - It is very important to take medications for BP as advised. If your blood pressure readings have become normal do not stop taking your medications. Stopping your drugs suddenly will result in a rise in BP and even complications due to a sudden rise in BP.
- - If your doctor changes the dose of your medicines note it and make sure that you follow the revised prescription. Note the dose on a medication calendar so that you remember your current dosage.
- - Do not change the brand of your medicine or dose to save money. If cost is an issue, consult your doctor for an alternative medication.
- - Do not go on self-medication as some medications (over-the-counter drugs or herbal therapies) can react with your blood pressure medications and cause undesirable effects.
- - If you forget to take your medicine at the scheduled time take it as soon as you remember it. But if the next dose is almost due- do not take two doses.
- - Buy your medicines before your stock at home is completely finished.
- - When you travel take all your drugs with you so that you can continue them as recommended by your doctor and there will be no problem with brand change. Take copies of your prescription along with you and make a list of your medications as well.
- - Tell your doctor about the medication you are taking prior to any surgery (major, minor or even dental surgery).
Consult your doctor if you have any doubts or questions regarding your medications.
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