Our Heart is the central organ, which pumps blood through the arteries to all other organs in order to maintain life. Blood pressure is a measure of the force against the arteries walls, while the heart pumps blood around your body. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher is your blood pressure. The top number of your blood pressure reading tells you the force of the blood against artery walls when your heart beats. It is called systolic pressure. The bottom number tells you what your blood pressure is when your heart is at rest between heartbeats. It is called diastolic pressure. Normal Blood Pressure is below 140/90 mmHg

Clinically chronic higher blood pressure than normal, is called Hypertension, and may increase the chances of a stroke or other chronic diseases.
High blood pressure also known as a “Silent Killer” generally shows no prior symptoms or warnings. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death around the globe. Therefor regular screening is very important, especially, if you have a family history of heart problems or if you have been diagnosed for hypertension.

Hypertension can be caused by overweight, tobacco use, alcohol and sodium intake, older age or family history, and it can be controlled by making significant changes in your lifestyle.

What is Hypertension or high Blood pressure: 

Hypertension is elevation or a rise of Blood Pressure measured at least at three separate occasions. Blood Pressure should be measured on three separate occasions, a minimum of 2 days apart and/or taken over period of two months. Measurements higher than 140/90 mmHg are considered as Hypertension.

Which means for Systolic Blood Pressure SBP=SYS ≥ 140 mmHg and Diastolic Blood Pressure DBP=DIA ≥90 mm Hg.• Grade 1 SYS 140-159 mmHg or DIA 90-99 mmHg → Lifestyle Modification, regular check up • Grade 2 SYS 160-179 mmHg or DIA 100-109 mmHg → Doctor Appointment should be the same day • Grade 3 SYS >180 (higher than) mmHg or DIA >110 (higher than) mmHg → Emergency 

Why is high blood pressure dangerous:

Hypertension is a major independent risk factor for the development of Coronary artery disease, stroke, and renal failure. All those diseases can be live threatening and severely reduce life expectancy as well as life quality.

Treatment goal of Hypertension:

In patients aged 18 - 59 years without major comorbidities (other diseases) and in patients 60 years or older who have diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), or both conditions the blood pressure goal level should be < 140/90 mmHg (or below)

In patients aged 60 years or older who do not have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the blood pressure goal level should be < 150/90 mmHg (or below)

How to achieve treatment goals or what you can do:

Eat healthy diet:

Low salt, vegetables, fruits, healthy oils (Sunflower, Olive), nuts, whole grain, limit red meat
avoid added sugar, eat Fish or food rich in Omega 3 fatty Acids

Lifestyle Modifications:

Stop Tobacco Use
Drink no more than 2 units alcohol per day
Increase physical activity 30 minutes per day 3 times a week
Reduce weight, target BMI between 18 and 24.9 kg/m2
(Calculation BMI = Body weight / (height in meter x height in meter),
e.g. 60kg / (1.61mx1.61m) = 60 / 2.5921 = 23.14 kg/m2)

Blood Pressure monitoring

Here you can find resources for home monitoring, see our simple steps to get an accurate reading and make the most out of home monitoring. The first step to managing your blood pressure is to Know Your Numbers!

Before you measure your blood pressure:

• Avoid things that can raise your blood pressure in the short term. Don’t measure your blood pressure within half an hour of eating, smoking, drinking caffeinated drinks such as coffee, or exercising.
• Rest for five minutes before you take your reading. Sit down somewhere quiet, ideally at a desk or table. Have your back supported with your arm resting on a firm surface and your feet flat on the floor. Stay in this position while you take your blood pressure.
• Make sure your arm is supported and at the same level as your heart. Position yourself so that your arm is resting on a surface and is at the same height as your heart. Keep your arm and hand relaxed, not tensed.

Steps:

1. Follow the instructions that came with your monitor. Make sure you place the cuff around your arm as described in the instructions
2. Place the arm cuff just above your elbow. The cuff should be about 2cm above your elbow if upper arm monitor. Otherwise place it around your wrist. The cuff should be level with your heart.
3. Do not talk or move while taking a measurement.
4. Take two or three readings, each about one to two minutes apart. If your first reading is much higher than the next, ignore it and take an extra reading.
5. Keep a record of your measurements.

Tips for monitoring and measuring at home:

• Make sure the arm cuff is the appropriate size (for big upper arm circumferences use a large cuff).
• Make sure there is no twist or blocking in the tubing.
• Always use the same arm.
• Measure your blood pressure in both arms when you first start. They will give slightly different readings.
• Don’t worry if you get an unexpected high reading. If the high readings continue over 2 to 3 weeks contact your doctor. If it is higher than 180/110 mmHg, re-measure after 5 min resting and if still that high contact your doctor immediately.
• Don’t check your blood pressure too often.
• Don’t stop taking your medications if your blood pressure falls.
• Take readings at the same time each day. Your blood pressure can vary throughout the day and with different activities, so this will mean you’re comparing like with like. It’s good to have a routine.