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Managing High Blood Pressure
Warning Signs People with high blood pressure don’t usually have any noticeable symptoms, but in a hypertensive crisis, you can experience: A severe headache Chest pain Blurred vision Get Checked Scan the code for more detailed information on blood pressure readings. Dizziness Confusion Trouble breathing If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right away. A hypertensive crisis can lead to a stroke or death if not treated.
Healthy Choices for Healthy Numbers High blood pressure damages your arteries and stretches them out, interfering with blood flow to your vital organs. It can delay your recovery and cause complications that increase your time in the hospital. What the Numbers Mean Healthy blood pressure is below 120/80. The first number (systolic blood pressure) is the force of blood on your arteries when your heart is contracting. The second number (diastolic blood pressure) is the amount of pressure still in your blood vessels when your heart is resting between beats. Elevated blood pressure is between 120/80 and 130/80. Hypertension is above 130/80 and below 180/120. Blood pressure above 180/120 is called a hypertensive crisis . This is a medical emergency. Managing Blood Pressure Lifestyle Practicing good habits and avoiding harmful substances can support healthy blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit dairy, fat, sugar, and salt. For more information, check out the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet at nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan or scan the QR code. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise five days a week. Aerobic exercise strengthens your heart. Some examples are walking quickly, jogging, and cycling. Manage sleep. According to the American Heart Association, getting 7–9 hours of sleep per night on a regular schedule is best to support healthy blood pressure. Quit smoking. Tobacco raises your blood pressure. If you smoke, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Limit alcohol. Alcohol leads to high blood pressure and can be more dangerous if you take certain blood pressure medications. Medications If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications. Some medications can lower your heart rate or increase the force of your heart pumping. Some help your kidneys remove extra water as urine. } See p. 7 for a list of questions to ask about new medications.
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