High blood pressure is a condition in which the arteries are chronically elevated.A silent disease with minimal symptoms, hypertension increases risks for cardiovascular disease and other diseases.It's important to know the signs of hypertension and how to prevent it.
Step 1: The sphygmomanometer can be used to check blood pressure.
Online or in a store that sells medical equipment, these instruments can be purchased cheaply.Some medical offices and drugstores offer free blood pressure checks.A doctor's visit includes blood pressure checks.Make sure the cuff is the right size.The results will be low if the cuff is too large.The results will be false if the cuff is too small.The cuff should be at the same level as the heart.When the cuff is inflated, be still.Agitation raises peripheral resistance and raises the blood pressure measurement.
Step 2: Write the systolic blood pressure on a piece of paper.
When the heart is pumping, this is the blood pressure in vessels.If a manual cuff is used, the cuff will be inflated until no pulsation can be heard with the stethoscope over the brachial arteries, and the highest pressure is heard is the systolic blood pressure.
Step 3: The DBP is the pressure at the end of the day.
When the heart is resting, this is the pressure between heartbeats.After noting the systolic blood pressure, the cuff is slowly deflated until no more pulsation is heard, which marks the diastolic blood Pressure.
Step 4: Your blood pressure can be monitored over a period of weeks.
One reading doesn't confirm you have hypertension.Between the first and third measurement, a diagnosis of hypertension needs to be made.Blood pressure needs to be raised frequently to diagnose hypertension.
Step 5: You can see a health professional.
Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis of hypertension and order additional tests to look for evidence of organ damage.Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urinalysis are some of the basic tests.To look for an endocrine cause for the hypertension, such as Conn's syndrome.There is a chance of having a metabolic disorder, such as diabetes or hypercholesterolemia.If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor if you can take an ARB.Evidence of hypertensive heart disease can be found in the electrocardiogram and chest radiograph.
Step 6: You should be aware of white coat hypertension.
This happens when your blood pressure goes up in a clinic or doctor's office, but is not unusual in other settings.Some believe this is caused by the stress of going to the doctor's office, but others think it is a sign of hypertension later on.Ask your doctor about the possibility of wearing a blood pressure monitor outside of the office if you experience white coat hypertension.The data collected by this monitor can be used to determine if you are at risk for hypertension over time.
Step 7: You can learn the symptoms of hypertension.
There are usually very few symptoms of hypertension.You can get your blood pressure tested at the doctor's office.When hypertension reaches a critical level, the symptoms that do appear for it are different for everyone.The symptoms could include headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Step 8: Know the phases of hypertension.
You are considered to have hypertension if your blood pressure is over 120/80.Depending on the levels of pressure impacting the blood as it is pumped by your heart, there are several stages of high blood pressure.Blood pressure in this range is considered prehypertension which tends to get worse over time but is not cause for much alarm as long as it remains at these levels.Stage 1 Hypertension refers to blood pressure in this range.The range of blood pressure is manageable.You should talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes such as eating a low sodium diet, losing weight, and limiting alcohol consumption.Stage 2 Hypertension refers to blood pressure in this range.You should schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately if you are at this level.
Step 9: Learn more about primary hypertension.
Most people have no identifiable cause for high blood pressure.This is called hypertension.
Step 10: You should be aware of the causes of hypertension.
Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying condition.It has more drastic effects than primary hypertension.Drug or alcohol abuse are some of the conditions that can lead to secondary hypertension.Sleep problems.
Step 11: Tobacco use can be stopped.
Smoking and chewing tobacco raises a person's blood pressure, but they have long term effects on it.The lining of arteries can be damaged by the chemicals in these substances.
Step 12: It is a good idea to reduce your alcohol intake.
It can lead to high blood pressure if you drink too much because it can damage many parts of your body.If you have high blood pressure, drinking alcohol can make it harder to control it.
Step 13: Limit the amount of salt you drink.
Too much salt in a person's diet can cause them to retain fluid, which can increase their blood pressure.It is possible to lower your blood pressure by limiting junk food and other high-sodium foods.
Step 14: It's recommended to consume more potassium.
It helps your cells balance out their take.If your cells hold on to too much sodium, it can lead to higher blood pressure.If you have high blood pressure, it's a good idea to eat more bananas, potatoes, yogurt, orange juice, lentils, and pistachios.
Step 15: Take a supplement to get the D you need.
Taking a vitamin D supplement can help lower your blood pressure because of the effect it has on your kidneys.
Step 16: Reduce your stress levels.
Your blood pressure can be affected by high levels of stress.This is true if you use tobacco, alcohol, or food to deal with stress.Try relaxing without these substances by reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk.This can lower your blood pressure.