We are going to talk about HYPERTENSION, the "Silent Killer", in this post, which is also known as High Blood pressure. The scope of this post is to know in depth about Hypertension, Hypertension typical values, how to home monitor blood pressure and quick solution to reduce hypertension.
- Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg or greater and diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg or greater. High blood pressure is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected.
SBP > or = 140 mm Hg
AND/OR
DBP > or = 90 mm Hg
Prehypertensive values:120-130 or 80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension values: 130-139 or 80-89
Stage 2 Hypertension values:>140 or >90
Taking your blood pressure at home
Home monitoring is an important way to confirm if you have high blood pressure, to check if your blood pressure treatment is working or to diagnose worsening high blood pressure. Home blood pressure monitors are widely available and inexpensive, and you don't need a prescription to buy one. Make sure to use a validated device, and check that the cuff fits. Follow these steps to measure your blood pressure at home.- Sit at a table with your arm resting comfortably on it (palm facing upward), your back straight, and your feet flat on the floor.
- If necessary, support your arm on a book or pillow so that your elbow is at the level of your heart.
- Place the blood pressure cuff around your bare upper arm. It should be snug but not tight.
- Relax for five minutes and then take the first reading.
- Don't talk during the measurement.
- Write down the results in a log you'll use daily.
Some quick solution:
Some key points are given below, it may be help to reduce your high blood pressure:-
1. Studies show that people who consume more potassium have lower blood pressures. Good sources of potassium include:- bananas,
- green coconut,
- green apple,
- pomegranate and
- avocado
Dietary fish and fish oil supplements have benefits for healthy people and people with high blood pressure and heart disease alike.
3.There are many medications available to help control blood pressure. Different types of medications work on different parts of the body to lower blood pressure. As a result, controlling your blood pressure may require taking more than one type of medication—usually two or three, but maybe up to five different medications. There are several classes of blood pressure medications, each with different actions in the body. Using certain medications in combination, or for certain groups of patients, your physician or pharmacists may still recommend them for you. Some medication like;
- Diuretics (Metolazone, Chlorthalidone)
- ACE Inhibitors (Captopril, Moexipril)
- Beta Blockers (Bisoprolol, Propranolol)
- Calcium Channel Blockers (Amlodipine, Felodipine)
- Don't eat or drink grapefruit products when taking calcium channel blockers. Grapefruit increases blood levels of certain calcium channel blockers, which can be dangerous.
- Angiotension II Antagonists (Eprosartan,Valsartan)
- Direct Renin Inhibitors (Aliskiren)
4.Eating a heart-healthy diet with less salt
5.Getting regular physical activity
6.Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you're overweight.
7.Consume a low sodium diet. Too much sodium causes blood pressure to rise. keeping your daily sodium intake to less than 2 grams, but keeping it less than 1.5 grams is even better.
5.Getting regular physical activity
6.Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you're overweight.
7.Consume a low sodium diet. Too much sodium causes blood pressure to rise. keeping your daily sodium intake to less than 2 grams, but keeping it less than 1.5 grams is even better.
💢You should always take blood pressure medications as prescribed. Never skip a dose or abruptly stop taking your blood pressure medication. Suddenly stopping certain blood pressure drugs, such as beta blockers, can cause a sharp increase in blood pressure.
✅ Stressful situations can cause your blood pressure to go up temporarily. But if you continue to be stressed, your blood pressure can remain high. Find calming activities you can do every day to help you relieve stress.
Like coloring, walking outside, listening to relaxing music, and even taking a warm bath can help you keep you lower your stress levels.