blood pressure

Cardiovascular disease is caused not by one risk factor alone, but by several factors. Combinations of risk factors multiply, rather than merely add, their individual effects on your likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. At the same time, the presence of certain risk factors may influence the subsequent development of other risk factors. For instance, smoking, which in itself sharply increases a person’s risk of heart attack, tends to lead to high blood pressure, which is another contributory factor for heart disease. Fortunately, the majority of these risk factors can be reduced by making changes to your lifestyle. - Extract from the Singapore Heart Foundation

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What is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). For adults, HIGH blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg / 90 mm Hg. What can happen as a result of high blood pressure? - High blood pressure is the silent killer. Without warning, high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. Why should you monitor your blood pressure at home? - To be consistently aware of a vital indicator about your overall health - Doctors recommend it - To see how you’re responding to medication How often should you monitor your blood pressure? - Your blood pressure can vary throughout the day and be affected by activity, stress, medications and other factors. This is why you should consult with your healthcare professional to determine how often and when you should monitor your blood pressure.

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What is High Blood Pressure? High blood pressure is defined as having systolic pressure of 135mmHg or higher and or diastolic pressure of 85mmHg or higher. The normal BP for adults is less than 130/80mmHg. If the average BP is more than 135/85 mmHg. Consult your doctor.

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Facts about Blood Pressure Management Blood pressure is never constant Blood pressure changes throughout the day, and even fluctuates by the minutes. Measuring only once a day does not reflect the actual status of the blood pressure condition. Monitoring trend of blood pressure fluctuation would provide better evaluation of the patient’s condition. Blood pressure measured at the clinics may be different from those measured at home Besides fluctuations, an observation known as “white coat effect” may also contribute to different blood pressure readings. Most people are anxious when visiting the doctor and could experience a rise in blood pressure. On the other hand, people are usually more relaxed at home, and have lower blood pressure readings. High blood pressure has few symptoms Many people who suffer from high blood pressure are unaware, as the illness has no symptoms. If left undetected, these people are at risk of developing more serious illness like stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, and even heart attacks. Early detection for people who are at risk can be achieved by regular blood pressure measurement. High blood pressure is not related to family history Even a person with no previous history of high blood pressure can develop hypertension from lifestyle factors. Some of these factors include: Stress Gender Lack of exercise Increasing age Poor diet Being overweight The wide range of factors that can influence blood pressure is an important reason why one should monitor blood pressure as often as possible.

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Dietary Keys To Reducing High Blood Pressure Fruits and Juices Increase consumption of juices, fruits (especially bananas) and whole grain based cereals to counteract high levels of potassium found in other foods and in your body. Monounsaturated Fats Increase consumption of products with monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, in your diet can greatly diminish your risk of high blood pressure and may even eliminate the need to take medication to control the situation. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids that are commonly found in cold-water fish. These acids are proven to reduce high-blood pressure as well as lower your cholesterol. Whole Oats Increase consumption of whole oats help to help control your high blood pressure. Additionally, they also have positive affects on cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Vitamin C Increase consumption of products containing Vitamin C to battle high blood pressure. This may mean a daily vitamin supplement or be part of an increased consumption of fruits, such as oranges.

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Finding Ways To Get Fit Getting Fit Outside Getting Fit Inside Building Strength - Walk wearing wrist weights - Push your child in a stroller around your neighborhood - Explore the surrounding areas on your bike - Exercise on an elliptical trainer - Use free weights or machines at the local gym - Jump rope to increase upper body strength Building Endurance - Go for a hike through the local park - Develop a daily walking/running routine with a neighbor - Go swimming at the local pool - Walk/run using a treadmill - Play basketball - Enroll in an aerobics class Building Flexibility - Play tennis or badminton - Wash your car by hand - Play nine holes of golf - Take a yoga class - Stretch during TV commercials - When cleaning your home, place emphasis on stretching to get hard to reach areas

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Helpful Blood Pressure Reminders Have your blood pressure checked by your doctor. If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about changing your diet and lifestyle habits. If your doctor has prescribed medication for your high blood pressure, it is very important to take it regularly. If you have any new symptoms, call your doctor. Measure and record your blood pressure at home regularly. This information may be valuable to your doctor in evaluating your condition. Cooperate. You and your doctor must work together in order to keep your blood pressure and your diabetes under control.

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Can i take a measurement during exercise? Omron Blood Pressure Monitors are not intended for use during exercise or activity. We recommend you avoid eating, smoking and exercising for at least 30 minutes before taking a measurement.

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Regular Walking Can Decrease Potential Health Problems Anxiety Blood pressure Blood triglycerides Body fat Bone loss Constipation Depression Falls & fractures Glucose Mobility limitations Pain Risk of some cancers Risk of heart attack, hypertension and stroke Risk of diabetes Stress Weight

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Regular Walking Improves Your Health, Both Mentally and Physically Ability to regulate body temperature Aerobic capacity Balance Blood sugar Bond density Cartilage and joint health Circulation Energy level and endurance Flexibility/range of motion HDL (good) cholesterol Heart health Joint Mobility Life span Mental Capacity Metabolic Rate Mood Muscle mass and tone Overall general health Quality of life and sleep Reaction time Feeling of accomplishment Self-esteem Strength

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Six Steps to Healthy Living Stay Physically Active People often have misconceptions about the intensity and type of exercise needed to produce healthy benefits. The best way to become physically active is to find something you enjoy doing when it’s convenient for you. Eat Foods Low In Saturated Fats and Cholesterol The American Heart Association recommends that you limit your average daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams. Maintain Proper Weight Measurement of body fat composition is the key to long-term success. Have Regular Medical Checkups You and your doctor must work together to keep your health in check. Don't Smoke or Use Other Tobacco Products As soon as you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease and stroke starts to drop. Have Your Blood Pressure Checked Regularly High blood pressure makes your heart work harder, which may add strain on the heart and arteries. If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about changing your diet and lifestyle habits.

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Understanding Why High Blood Pressure Is A Problem Generally, normotension (normal blood pressure) is defined as less than 130mmHg for systolic value (SBP) and less than 85mmHg for diastolic value (DBP). The higher the blood pressure, the more load on the blood vessels, and this can damage the vessels. In the worst case, blood vessel walls can develop holes causing internal bleeding. When this happens in the brain, it is called a stroke. In addition, high blood pressure increases the myocardial workload so that the heart must work harder to maintain adequate blood flow to the body. This causes ischemic heart disease (IHD) such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and angina. People with hypertension have the increased risk of suffering from of having a stroke. Conversely, It is also known that those with normal blood pressure have a lesser risk of ischemic heart disease (myocardial infarction and angina) and stroke. Thus, it can be concluded that keeping blood pressure within a normal range to prevent these occurrences is of the utmost importance.