CHRONIC CONDITIONS High blood pressure

CHRONIC CONDITIONS

High blood pressure

(Hypertension)

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the walls of the arteries as it is pumped around the body by the heart. We all need a certain amount of blood pressure (called normal blood pressure) to stay alive. However, blood pressure that is higher than normal can be dangerous. A healthy lifestyle helps to keep blood pressure normal. Some medicines can help to reduce high blood pressure.

Everyone's blood pressure varies with their daily activities. For example, our blood pressure is usually lower when we are asleep and higher when we are excited or anxious. Blood pressure that is constantly higher or lower than the normal range can cause serious problems. The medical name for constantly high blood pressure is hypertension.

? kidney damage

? eye damage (e.g. blindness).

To find out if blood pressure is high, it must be measured. Regular blood pressure checks can help to detect high blood pressure before any damage is done.

Signs and symptoms

Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, and it is possible to have high blood pressure without knowing. However, over time, high blood pressure can cause heart and blood vessel disease and lead to serious problems, including:

? brain damage (e.g. stroke, dementia)

? heart damage (e.g. heart attack, heart failure)

The Heart Foundation recommends having your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor. If your blood pressure is high or you have risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease, you may need to have it checked more often. Ask a doctor for advice.

? too much fat in the diet ? being overweight ? drinking too much alcohol ? not doing enough physical activity ? smoking ? stress.

Measuring blood pressure

Blood pressure is usually measured by wrapping an inflatable bag or `cuff' around the upper arm then slowly filling it with air until it squeezes the main artery in the arm. The cuff is connected to a device that measures blood pressure in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Electronic blood pressure machines are available, and some are suitable for use at home.

Blood pressure is always recorded as two numbers, written one above the other (e.g. 120/80 mmHg).

? The top number (systolic pressure) indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps out blood during each beat.

? The bottom number (diastolic pressure) indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats.

Who is at risk?

Our lifestyle can affect our blood pressure and the health of our heart and blood vessels. Lifestyle factors that can contribute to high blood pressure and to heart and blood vessel disease include:

The risks of high blood pressure and heart and blood vessel disease increase with age and are also higher for people who:

? have a family history of hypertension

? have certain medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, depression)

? take certain medicines.

Self care

? A healthy lifestyle is very important in helping to prevent or control high blood pressure and for reducing other risk factors for heart and blood vessel disease.

? Have a healthy diet. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, wholegrain/ wholemeal foods, protein-rich foods (e.g. nuts, lean meats, fish, eggs, beans) and low-fat dairy foods every day.

? Limit foods high in sugars (e.g. sucrose, fructose, glucose, lactose), and avoid adding sugars to food. Use sugar-free sweeteners if needed.

? Limit or avoid foods high in salt, and avoid adding salt to food. Use other flavourings in place of salt (e.g. herbs, spices, vinegar, lemon juice, onion, garlic).

? too much salt in the diet

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? Limit foods high in fats, especially saturated and trans fats. Have moderate amounts of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

? Keep to a healthy body weight.

? Drink enough water every day to satisfy your thirst and to keep your urine `light-coloured' (unless a doctor advises you not to).

? Limit alcohol intake to no more than 10 standard drinks per week, and no more than four standard drinks on any one occasion.

? Don't smoke.

? Exercise at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes on all or most days of the week.

? Learn and use relaxation techniques to relax your body and mind.

? If you have a medical condition, wear a bracelet or necklace (e.g. a MedicAlert bracelet) that states your condition.

Medicines

Medicines can help to control, but cannot cure, high blood pressure. There are a number of blood pressure medicines available that work in different ways. Blood pressure medicines often need to be taken longterm. It is important to find a medicine or combination of medicines that is right for you.

? Always take your blood pressure medicine regularly according to directions.

? Never reduce or stop taking blood pressure medicine without first asking your doctor or pharmacist.

? Ask your doctor or pharmacist about problems or side effects ? if necessary, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different medicine.

? Some medicines (e.g. antiinflammatory pain relievers and some `cold and flu' medicines) can interfere with blood pressure control. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before using any other medicines (including complementary medicines).

Important

Get advice from a doctor if you have:

? blood pressure consistently higher than 140/90 mmHg. That is, if the higher figure (systolic) is higher than 140, or the lower figure (diastolic) is higher than 90, or both.

? shortness of breath

? palpitations (irregular heart beat) ? blurred vision ? dizziness ? repeated nose bleeds ? repeated or prolonged headaches.

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For more information

Australian absolute cardiovascular disease risk calculator Website: .au

Heart Foundation Phone 13 11 12 Website: .au

Healthdirect Australia Phone: 1800 022 222 Website: .au

NPS MedicineWise Medicines Line Phone: 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) Website: .au

Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) Your pharmacist can advise on CMI leaflets

Poisons Information Centre In case of poisoning phone 13 11 26 from anywhere in Australia

Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask a pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine.

Related Fact Cards

Alcohol Diabetes type 2 Exercise and the heart Fat and cholesterol Fibre and bowel health Relaxation techniques Smoking Weight and health

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This card was current at the time of publication.

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