How To Monitor Your Blood-Pressure And Save Your Life

How To Monitor Your Blood Pressure And Save Your Life

D. S. Mitchell

I am an RN. As a result, I will often blog about health care, and health care news. Today I thought I would draw attention to the ‘silent killer,’ high blood pressure. It is known as the silent killer because it has no warning signs or symptoms. Approximately 75 million adult Americans have high blood pressure. In 2016 the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reported high blood pressure as the primary cause for the death of 410,000 Americans.

High blood pressure occurs when our arteries become clogged with a waxy substance called plaque. Plaque forms due to a variety of reasons, most particularly these causes are defined as life style causes. There are of course hereditary factors at work, but for most modern adult Americans, high blood pressure is about life style choices.

The American Heart Association indicates that “while the incidence of high Blood pressure is way up from 10 years ago, and 46% of Americans know they have it, most refuse to do anything about it,” says Brion Oaks an AHA spokesman.

The literature is clear, if left uncontrolled, elevated blood pressure can lead to stroke, eye and kidney damage.  High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart disease, the #1 killer of Americans. Think about that. High blood pressure can be directly correlated to the nation’s number one killer.

What do those numbers on the sphygmometer mean? Blood pressure measures are identified as systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the top number, and measures the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the body. Diastolic is the bottom number, and measures the pressure when the heart is resting and refilling with blood.

The big change in today’s recommendations from doctor’s is that American’s should track their blood pressure at home. You can buy a sphygmometer at Walgreens, Walmart or most any pharmacy. I think that for the average person the wrist monitor is the most practical and easiest to use. Self monitoring is important for initial diagnosis and proper management once diagnosed.

It has been long recognized that just a trip to the doctor’s office can send a person’s blood pressure to stratospheric heights. Commonly known as “white coat syndrome” because many people are nervous and under stress when they are at the doctor’s office.

Both numbers are important but that top number, the systolic pressure is particularly significant when it comes to cardiovascular disease. Multiple factors affect blood pressure readings, including, gender, age, stress, smoking, obesity and other factors. 120/80 is considered ideal. 139/89 is early warning range. And 140-170/90-110 are numbers that should send you running to the doctor’s office.

Home monitoring is a reliable way for people to identify their own range of measurements and work with their physician to diagnose and develop a treatment model with the goal to lower their risk of heart attack and stroke.

A truck load of studies have shown that patient engagement in their own health care is vital. Monitoring our own blood pressure is a major part in staying healthy. According to American Heart Association statistics show that only about 52% of the people suffering from high blood pressure have it under control. That’s why it is essential to know your numbers. Home monitoring detects warning signs.

If you lower the systolic pressure by as little as 10 points it can mean a 30-50% reduction in your risk of death. Pretty cool, huh?

TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE:
1.) Lose weight. BP increases as weight goes up.
2.) Think before you shake. Be salt smart, stop adding salt to your food and read labels to eliminate those packaged foods with high sodium content.
3.) Eat fruits, whole grains, veggies and low-fat dairy. Eating healthy has its rewards.
4.) Quit smoking. Blood pressure spikes every time you smoke a cigarette.
5.) Cut back on coffee. Caffeine spikes your blood pressure.
6.) Meditate, or find a way to limit stress.
7.) Limit alcohol. Practice moderation. One or two drinks a couple of times a week can be beneficial to lower pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption is vigorously discouraged.
8.) Exercise and be physically active.  If you are a couch potato, start easy. Hopefully working up to an hour per day. Getting active will help your attitude, your weight and your overall well-being, and that pesky elevated  BP will noticeably improve.

Home blood pressure monitoring is important. Patterns and trends should be discussed with your doctor. Be proactive, not reactive. A blood pressure monitor can be picked up for about $40, and is well worth the investment and the commitment you will be making to your health and well-being.

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Dar