Controlling Hypertension
Compiled by Daniel Leffingwell MS, RN
Date: 3/27/07
What is Hypertension (high blood pressure)?
Why is it important to control or watch your blood pressure?
Is it important to watch your blood pressure only if you are elderly?
Who is at Risk?
The elderly
African Americans
Diabetes
Smoking
Family History
Inactive Lifestyle
Stress
What is the best way to take your blood pressure?
-manual blood pressure cuff vs. electronic
-pharmacy blood pressure machine
-the right size cuff
What is a normal blood pressure?
What are the symptoms of high or low blood pressure?
What does one blood pressure reading tell you?
the white coat syndrome.
one reading vs. readings over a period of time.
What does your blood pressure tell you about your body and illnesses?
Illnesses that your blood pressure will tell you and your doctor about.
Hypertension
Kidney Disease
Anxiety (the white coat syndrome)
Heart Failure
Bleeding
Aneurysm
Effects of medications
Diabetes
Obesity
Stroke
Pain
The Importance of Communicating with your Doctor
Does your doctor tell you what your blood pressure is, or just say that it's "ok"?
Do you ask?
The importance of keeping track or keeping a record of your blood pressure.
What to tell your doctor.
dizziness
lightheadedness
falls
Blurred vision
fleeling flushed (use the flushing effects that niacin can cause)
a sudden change in how you feel
Allthe medications that you are taking, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies.
What others tell you.
Treatment for High Blood Pressure
A. Medications
B. Diet
The controversy over low salt diets
C. Exercise
D. Reducing Stress
E. Quittting smoking
F. Limit or elminate caffeine from your diet