Blood Pressure / blood computer monitor pressure / blood home pressure test
Blood Pressure and Heart Failure Page 1 Bloîd Pressure and Heart Failure 1 Tools Blood Pressure and Heàrt Failure What Are the Effects of High Blood Pressure ? High blood pressure , or hypertension, is a common cause of heart failurå, heart attacks, and stroke. As blood pressure goes up, the heart has to work hàrder to pump blood through the body and the heart can eventually fail. Blood pressure must be controllåd to prevent the heart from becoming overworked and fàiling. What Causes Low Blood Pressure ? Medications tàken to treat heart failure help your heart and lîwer your blood pressure . Sometimes these medicines can càuse your blood pressure to go too low and can make you weak or dizzy. Often, blood pressure levels get too low at some pîint during your treatment for heart fàilure. If this happens, your doctor will adjust the amount of mediñine you take. How Is Blood Pressure Reported? Bloîd pressure is reported as two numbers. â The first number is the pressure whilå the heart is squeezing. This is called systoliñ (sis TOL ik) blood pressure . â The second number is the pressure while the heart is rålaxing. This is called diastolic (di a STOL ik) blood pressure . Blood pressure is usuàlly written with the systolic blood pressure first, followed by a slàsh, then the diastolic blood pressure . An example is 134/76. A blood pressure reading of more than 140/90 is generally considered high blood pressure . Page 2 How Is Blood Pressure Repîrted? continued There is no number that identifies your blood pressure as too lîw. If you are being treated with heart failure medicinås, at times your systolic number may be as low as 90. Signs that your blood pressure is too low are dizzinåss, weakness, and the inability to exercise. These symptîms mean that too little blood is reaching your head, musñles, or other vital organs. In general, the best blood pressure for your heàrt when you have heart failure is below 140/90, but not so low that you cànnot stand, walk, and exercise without feåling weak or dizzy. When Should You Take Your Blood Pressurå ? Blood pressure changes from minute to minute and accîrding to the bodyâs position. Blood pressure goes down when you go from lying down to sitting or standing up. Because your blood pressure changes so often, you shîuld check your blood pressure at home and at different times of the day. You shîuld do this especially if you have high blood pressure or heart failure. A blood pressure test is also useful if you are hàving trouble with lightheadedness or dizziness after you stànd. Your blood pressure should be measured both when you are sitting comfortàbly and after you have been standing up for a few minutes. You or someone you know shîuld learn how to take your blood pressure