High Blood Pressure

Summary

This newly revised video features the most recent blood pressure categories outlined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, including the “prehypertension” level. It helps patients make a lifelong commitment to controlling their blood pressure through changing their lifestyle. The video gives patients the information they need to help them quit smoking, lose weight, reduce sodium, reduce alcohol consumption, and get more physically active. The video explains that in some cases patients may need to take medication. Possible side effects and tips for incorporating medication into a daily schedule are covered.

Details

As the heart pumps blood throughout the body's blood vessels, a force is being exerted on the vessel walls. This is blood pressure.

There are actually two blood pressure measurements taken. One when your heart beats (systolic), and one when your heart rests (diastolic).

135 over 85 or below is considered a normal blood pressure reading. You have high blood pressure if your systolic pressure is 140 or over, or if your diastolic pressure is 90 or over.

Once you know you should treat your high blood pressure, it will be easier if you accept this fact: high blood pressure doesn't go away. It can't be cured.

Controlling blood pressure:

• lifestyle changes
• medication

Lifestyle changes

• stop smoking, smoking raises blood pressure
• lose weight if you are overweight, because losing as little as ten pounds may bring blood pressure down
• reduce sodium intake to less than 2400 milligrams a day

Reducing sodium:

• cut down on salt
• minimize the amount of processed foods you eat
• look for "low sodium" or "low salt"
• pay attention to the nutrition facts label
• fresh foods have no added sodium

Other changes in eating habits:

• eat whole grains like whole wheat bread and whole grain cereals
• fruits, vegetables and fat free and low fat dairy products
• these foods contain nutrients that may help lower your blood pressure

Physical activity should be a part of your lifestyle changes.

Regular physical activity may help lower blood pressure. It's also a great way to lose weight.

Aerobic activities:

• brisk walking
• swimming
• cycling
• dancing
• increase your activity to 30-45 minutes on most days

Reduce alcohol intake:

• women and lighter weight a half-ounce of alcohol per day (one 12 ounce beer, one 5 ounce glass of wine, or a one-ounce shot of 100 proof liquor)
• men should limit alcohol to one ounce per day (2 beers, 2 glasses of wine, or 2 shots of 100 proof liquor)

For many people, these changes in lifestyle may be enough to keep blood pressure under control.

For others, medication may also be needed.

There are many different medications that lower blood pressure. Each works in a different way.

You and your health care team will work together to find the medication that works best for you.

In many cases more than one medication will be prescribed.

Side effects from medication are very common. If you experience any problems, let your health care team know, but do not stop taking your pills unless you have a severe reaction such as a rash.

Remember, medication does not cure high blood pressure, it only controls it. If lifestyle changes alone can't keep your pressure down, you'll probably be taking medication for the rest of your life.

Medication tips:

• keep your pills where you know you'll see them
• take them at the same time or with some activity that you do every day
• get your family to help you remember
• use a pill box
• mark your medication schedule on your calendar
• if you miss a dose just start again when your next dose is due

Follow up visits make sure your blood pressure stays under control, be sure to keep these appointments.

You can also keep tabs on your blood pressure with a home monitoring kit. Regular home blood pressure testing and record keeping are very important.