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| Blood Pressure at Home |
The ‘silent killer’ rarely comes with symptoms
INTRODUCTION--
1-What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
1. Headaches--
High blood pressure causes headaches due to increased blood flow to the brain. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you may experience headaches at times. These headaches could be caused by dehydration, anxiety, or stress. You should drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Fatigue--
Fatigue is a symptom of high blood pressure. When you have high blood pressure, your heart pumps harder than normal. As a result, you may feel tired even after resting. Try drinking lots of water and eating foods rich in omega- 3 fatty acids.
3. Nausea--
Nausea is a feeling of sickness in your stomach. High blood pressure can cause nausea if your blood vessels become weak. Your doctor may recommend taking medication to help reduce the effects of high blood pressure.
4. Dizziness--
Dizziness occurs when your body does not get enough oxygen. People who have high blood pressure often report dizziness. To prevent dizziness, make sure you stay well-hydrated and avoid alcohol.
5. Palpitations--
Palpitations are fast heartbeat sensations. High blood pressure can increase your risk of palpitations. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding your heart rate.
6. Chest pain--
Chest pain is a symptom of high cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up inside arteries. Plaque buildup can block blood flow to your heart and lungs.
7. Shortness of breath--
Shortness of breath is a symptom of high triglycerides. Triglycerides are fats that circulate in your blood. High triglyceride levels can cause shortness of breath.
2-What are the causes of high blood pressure?
1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)--
High blood pressure is known as hypertension. Hypertension is defined as having systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg. Hypertension is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the American Heart Association, about 1 out of every 3 adults have high blood pressure. In addition, nearly half of all Americans over age 60 have high blood pressure.
2. Causes of High Blood Pressure--
The causes of high blood pressure vary depending on the individual. However, some factors that may contribute to high blood pressure include:
• Genetic factors
• Diet
• Obesity
• Physical activity
• Stress
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Medications
• Other medical conditions
• Age
3-How is high blood pressure treated?
HEART BLOOD FLOW
High Blood Pressure (HBP) is a condition with higher blood pressure than normal. HBP is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. If left untreated, it may lead to serious complications including heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, blindness, and even death.
The treatment of hypertension involves lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include eating healthier, exercising regularly, losing weight if overweight, quitting smoking, and controlling alcohol intake. Medications used to treat hypertension include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha-adrenergic blockers, and vasodilators.
4-How can I monitor my blood pressure at home?
1. Blood Pressure Monitor--
Blood pressure monitors are devices that measure the amount of force exerted on the artery wall as blood flows through it. When the heart beats, it pushes blood out of the arteries and back into the veins. As the blood moves through the body, it exerts pressure on the artery walls. If the pressure is high enough, the artery walls may become damaged. High blood pressure damages the lining of the arteries and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and vision problems.
2. How to Measure Your Blood Pressure--
To take your own blood pressure, first, find a comfortable position where you won't have to strain yourself. Sit down and place your arm on a table or countertop. Ensure your elbow is slightly bent and your wrist rests comfortably on the table. You should feel no pain while doing this. Next, use a cuff that fits snugly around your upper arm. Use the same size cuff each time you test your blood pressure. Place the end of the cuff over your bicep muscle (the top of your forearm) and wrap the cuff tightly around your arm. Then, slowly inflate the cuff until it's tight enough to stop the flow of blood. Once the cuff is inflated, release the air slowly and wait for a few seconds before taking your blood pressure. Take two measurements and record them.
3. What Causes High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure occurs when the force exerted on the artery walls exceeds the natural elasticity of the vessel. Many factors contribute to high blood pressure including genetics, age, diet, lifestyle, and environment. In addition, certain medications can cause hypertension.
4. How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure?--
There are several ways to lower your blood pressure naturally. First, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in potassium and fibre, both of which help keep your blood pressure low. Second, avoid salt, especially if you're prone to high blood pressure. Third, get regular exercise. Exercise helps reduce stress and lowers blood pressure. Fourth, drink lots of water. Drinking eight glasses of water per day keep your kidneys functioning properly and reduces your chances of developing high blood pressure. Finally, limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol causes dehydration and raises blood pressure.
What do the top and bottom numbers measure
Systolic pressure: The top number is a measurement of the force exerted by your heart each time it beats on the walls of your arteries.
Diastolic pressure: The bottom number is a measurement of the force exerted by your heart between beats on the walls of your arteries.
mm Hg: The letters that follow the systolic and diastolic numbers — mm Hg — stand for millimetres of mercury, which is how pressure is measured in medicine.
5-What is a home blood pressure machine?
1. What is a Home Blood Pressure Machine?
A home blood pressure machine is a device that measures blood pressure at home. A doctor may recommend having your blood pressure checked regularly if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or any other chronic condition. A home blood pressure machine is portable and easy to use. You do not need to go to the hospital or clinic to get tested.
2. How Do I Use a Home Blood Pressure Machine
You can take your blood pressure using a home blood pressure machine anywhere. Simply place the cuff around your arm and press the button to begin taking your blood pressure. Once you have taken your blood pressure, remove the cuff, press the button again, and then put the cuff back on. Repeat these steps until you have completed your test. If you want to take your blood pressure while lying down, you can simply lie down and press the button.
3. Where Can I Get a Home Blood Pressure Machine From?
You can buy a home blood pressure machine online or at your local pharmacy. Your doctor may suggest getting a home blood pressure machine if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or if your blood pressure is high after being treated.
6-Buy a good model--
1. What Is A Home Blood Pressure Machine?--
A home blood pressure machine is a small portable device that measures your blood pressure at home without having to go to a doctor's office. These machines have a cuff that fits around your upper arm and a monitor that displays your blood pressure. You may use them to check your blood pressure periodically throughout the day.
2. How Do I Use My Home Blood Pressure Machine?
To use your home blood pressure machine, follow these steps:
- Place the cuff over your upper left arm. Make sure it is snug enough to fit comfortably around your arm. If you are using a digital blood pressure monitor, press the start button to begin measuring your blood pressure.
- After placing the cuff around your arm, wait about five minutes before taking your first reading. Your blood pressure should not fluctuate much during this period.
- Take your second blood pressure reading after sitting quietly for 10 minutes. Again, your blood pressure should not change significantly between readings.
- Record your blood pressure measurements on a chart provided by your home blood pressure machine. Be sure to record the date and time of each measurement.
3. Are There Different Types Of Home Blood Pressure Machines?--
There are two types of home blood pressure devices: digital and oscillometric. Digital monitors measure your blood pressure by sensing changes in the volume of the artery while oscillometric monitors sense the pulse rate. Both types of home blood pressure machines require the same basic steps to take your blood pressure. However, the digital type of blood pressure machine requires less training than the oscillometric type.
4. Why Should I Check My Blood Pressure At Home?--
Regularly checking your blood pressure at home provides several advantages. First, it gives you a chance to get familiar with how your blood pressure varies throughout the day. Second, it helps you identify any fluctuations in your blood pressure that might indicate certain medical conditions. Finally, it gives you a way to track your progress toward reaching recommended blood pressure levels.
5. Is Checking My Blood Pressure Safe?
Taking your blood pressure regularly is safe. In fact, many doctors recommend that patients check their blood pressure periodically. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Also, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
7-Make sure it's accurate
8-Prep beforehand
Print You shouldn't smoke, consume caffeine or exercise within 30 minutes of checking your blood pressure. If you have to urinate, do so before taking a reading. Measuring blood pressure with a full bladder can add 10-15 points to your reading, according to the American Heart Association9-Be consistent
If you're monitoring your blood pressure at home, make sure you take it at the same time daily. There's also no need to take it more frequently than once a day
10-Take Multiple reading
This will allow you to keep a record that you can bring to your appointments. Some monitors also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website. If anyone's reading seems off, don't throw it away. Keep it with the rest and talk to your doctor about it at your next appointment
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