Hypertension: High Blood Pressure

 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION) CLASS

What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?

Abnormally high pressure in the blood vessels over long periods of time such as months or years at a time. It is also known as the “silent killer” because most people who have high blood pressure do not show any signs until a bad event happens because of it.

Why should we resolve high or elevated blood pressure?

• Elevated blood pressure can result in over tasking your heart as it will have to pump against higher than normal pressure/resistance, resulting in a heart attack.

• Elevated pressure directly damages the kidney’s delicate structures as it filters the blood that’s passing through it at higher than normal pressures, resulting in kidney failure.

• Elevated blood pressure can result in rupture of small or large blood vessels because they are not all made to withstand such elevated pressures over extended periods. Some small blood vessel ruptures lead to stroke, or large vessel rupture leads to aneurysms.

But do not worry, with the help of BlackRx.org, high blood pressure can be controlled with little help and awareness.

1. How to check your blood pressure (see video link)

1. Rest/Sit/Relax for about 5 minutes

2. Wrap the cuff around the upper arm or wrist depending on the type of blood pressure cuff - make sure to use the proper size cuffs, (child, adult regular, adult large). The wrong size may lead to unreliable readings.

3. Sit and breath calmly with both feet flat on the floor, back against the chair.  Refrain from chewing or talking while the machine reads.

4. The average blood pressure normal reading is 120/80 (some people may run lower than this at their normal values)

2. Causes of Inaccurate blood pressure readings:

1. Unrested. Try to check your blood pressure readings when you are not on the run. Best time to check your blood pressure is when at rest, preferably in the comfort of your home.

2. White coat syndrome: after rushing to make your doctor's appointment, be sure to take a few minutes to relax before allowing your blood pressure to be taken. Then you will not have to worry about reporting a falsely elevated blood pressure.

3. Eating or drinking of decongestants (in cold & flu medications) or caffeinated products (coffee, energy drinks) within 2 hours of blood pressure readings can result in elevated blood pressure readings.

4. Dehydration will result in low blood pressure readings.

5. Stress and insomnia (lack of sleep) will lead to elevated diastolic blood pressure readings.

3. How to report blood pressure readings to you healthcare provider:

1. When you are relaxed and preferably at home, take your blood pressure

2. 5 to 7 readings taken on different days will paint an accurate picture of your running blood pressure.

4. Ways to lower elevated blood pressure: Please work closely with BlackRX or your healthcare provider to prevent adverse events:

1. Practice healthy lifestyle routines such as:

1. Exercise regularly but do not overexert yourself .

2. Maintain a healthy diet that is low in salt, low in saturated fats, 

3. Resolve causes of insomnia (reduce caffeine intake late in the day). Try to sleep more hours, especially if you work overnight. See How to get more sleep 101.

2. Medications:

1. There are so many veteran and new medications that have proven to adequately control high blood pressure. Work with your healthcare provider to obtain a prescription. Note that different ethnicities may experience different results from different drug classes - one size does not fit all. For example, some African Americans will benefit from initiating a diuretic (water pill) versus initiating another class drug.

2. Do not take medication that is not prescribed for you. It may result in adverse drug reactions, even death.

3. Do not abruptly stop taking blood pressure medications, your body may react with a dangerous blood pressure spike.

4. Do not stop taking your blood pressure medication because your blood pressure is now at normal levels. Remember that you have normal blood pressure levels because you are now taking your blood pressure medications as prescribed.