Blood pressure

What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels as the heart pumps blood. When a health care professional measures your blood pressure, you use a blood cuff on your arm that tightens gradually. Results are given in two digits. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, is the pressure caused by your heart to contract and pump blood. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, is the pressure at which your heart is at ease and full of blood. A blood pressure reading is given as several systolic blood pressure in addition to the diastolic blood pressure number. Blood pressure levels are categorized based on those two numbers. 

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, systolic blood pressure is below 90 or diastolic blood pressure is below 60. If you have low blood pressure, you may feel lightheaded, weak, dizzy, or unconscious. It can be caused by malnutrition, blood loss, certain medical conditions, or medications, including those determined by high blood pressure.

Normal blood pressure in most adults is defined as a systolic pressure below 120 and a diastolic pressure below 80.

High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure between 120 and 129 and a diastolic pressure below 80. High blood pressure is defined as 130 or more in the first number or 80 or more in the second number.

For older adults, usually, the first systolic number is 130 or more, but the second (diastolic) number is less than 80. This condition is called isolated systolic hypertension and is caused by stiffness associated with the growth of large arteries. It is the most common form of high blood pressure in older adults and can lead to serious health problems in addition to shortness of breath during light exercise, light headaches when standing up, and falling. Another reason to visit your doctor regularly is to check your blood pressure and, if necessary, plan how to control your blood pressure.

Do I have high blood pressure? Anyone can have high blood pressure. Other medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, and thyroid problems, can cause high blood pressure. Some people are more likely to have it because of things they can change. These are Age; the chances of developing high blood pressure increase as you grow older, especially systolic hypertension. Gender; before the age of 55, men are more likely to have high blood pressure. Women are more likely to have high blood pressure after menstruation. Family history; high blood pressure is common in some families. Race; African Americans are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms or signs, but regular checking of your blood pressure will help detect elevated levels. If your blood pressure is high for two or more tests, your doctor may also ask you to measure your blood pressure at home. There are important considerations for older adults in deciding whether to start treatment for high blood pressure if you are over 130/80, including other health conditions and overall fitness. Your doctor may work with you to find the right blood pressure for your health and may suggest exercise, changes in your diet, and medication.

How can I control my blood pressure? You can lower your blood pressure by changing your daily routine and taking medication if needed. Treatment, especially if you have other medical conditions such as diabetes, requires further evaluation and consultation with your doctor. Lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent and reduce high blood pressure:

Identify healthy weight; obesity adds to the risk of high blood pressure. Ask your doctor if you need to lose weight. Generally, to maintain a healthy weight, you need to burn the same amount of calories as you eat and drink.

Exercise; moderate activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, can lower high blood pressure. Set goals so that you can exercise safely and work your way up to at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) a week. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have any health problems that can be treated.

Eat a healthy diet; a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins, milk, and fats - such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet - can lower your blood pressure.

Reduce salt; as you grow older, your body and blood pressure become more sensitive to salt (sodium), which is added to many foods during processing or preparation. Reducing your daily salt intake may help. DASH is a low-salt diet.

Drink small amounts of alcohol; drinking alcohol can lower your blood pressure. For those who drink, men should not drink more than two drinks a day and women should not have more than one a day to reduce the chances of developing high blood pressure.

Do not smoke; smoking increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. The health benefits of quitting can be seen at any age - you are not old enough to quit.

Sleep well at night; tell your doctor if you are told you are snoring or if you feel like you stop breathing for a while you sleep. This may be a sign of a problem called sleep apnea. Treating apnea and getting a good night's sleep can help lower blood pressure.

Control the pressure; coping with stress and reducing stress can help reduce high blood pressure. In addition to recommending lifestyle changes, your doctor will likely prescribe medication that will lower your blood pressure to a safe level. Isolated systolic hypertension, the most common type of high blood pressure in older adults, is treated in the same way as normal blood pressure but may require more than one type of blood pressure medication. You can try a few different types or combinations of medications before finding the one that works best for you. Medications can control your blood pressure; it may need to take longer.

Tips for taking blood pressure medications: Untreated high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious health problems. If your doctor prescribes antidepressants, remember:

If you are taking medication for high blood pressure and your blood pressure is low, it means that medication and lifestyle changes are working. When another doctor asks if he has high blood pressure, the answer is, "Yes, but it is treatable."

Changing a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the amount you need.

Slowly stand in a sitting or lying position and pause before walking. This allows your blood pressure to adjust before walking to prevent headaches and falls.

Tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Do not forget to mention over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and supplements. They may affect your blood pressure. They can also change how well your blood pressure medication works.

Blood pressure medications should be taken at the same time each day as part of your daily routine. For example, take breakfast in the morning or evening before brushing your teeth. If you miss a dose, do not repeat the dose the next day.

Remember to refill your medication before you run out and bring it with you when you leave. It is important to keep taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Before surgery, ask your doctor if you should take your blood pressure medication on the day of the operation.

Samina Zaheer (Health Tips, Health Care)