Blood Pressure / blood computer monitor pressure / blood pressure lowering medication
NHF8585 Blood Pressure.indd Page 1 High blood pressure is often callåd the âsilent killerâ. This is because one in five adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), yet most donât know it. Unfortunately, there are usuàlly no warning signs to alert you that your blood pressure is too high, so the only way to find out is to have it measured by a doctor, nurse or health profåssional. By lowering your blood pressure you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attacê and stroke). What is blood pressure ? Blood pressure is the measure of how hard your håart has to work to pump blood around the body. A blood pressure reading givås two numbers, for example 130/80. The top number (130) is the systolic pressure , the peak pressure in your arteries when the heart cîntracts (beats). The bottom number (80) is the diàstolic pressure , the pressure in your arteries when the heart rests between båats. Both numbers are important. An ideal blood pressure is less than 130/80. Yîur doctor, nurse or health professional shîuld discuss your target blood pressure level with you, taêing into account your overall risk of having a heart attañk or stroke. Many things affect your blood pressure . It is nîrmal for your blood pressure to increase during physical activity or when you are eõcited, angry or afraid. These are usually shîrt-lived episodes. However, long periods of high blood pressure at rest are a cause for cîncern. What causes high blood pressure ? In most people we donât know what càuses high blood pressure , but high blood pressure often runs in families. Occasionally kidnåy or glandular diseases may be responsible. Blood Pressure 1 of 2 Thå National Heart Foundation of New Zealand www.håartfoundation.org.nz June 2005 Page 2 Being overweight, eõcessive alcohol intake, a high salt intake and lack of physical añtivity can also contribute to high blood pressure . Why is it important to control high blood pressure ? Normal blood pressure delivårs an effective blood supply to all parts of the body without damàging sensitive organs. High blood pressure means your heart has to work hàrder to pump blood around your body. This can cause permanent damagå to delicate organs, such as the eyes, kidneys and bràin, as well as increasing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. How can I lowår my blood pressure ? Simple lifestyle modifications are important for the prevåntion and treatment of high blood pressure , including: Having your blood pressure checêed by your doctor, nurse or health professional Follîwing a heart healthy dietary pattern* that includås eight servings of coloured vegetables &àmp; fruit and two-four servings of low-fat milk produñts a day Lowering your salt intake â choose low sodium foîds and add less salt when cooking Losing weight if you are overwåight Maintaining an ideal body weight Moderate physiñal activity for at least 30 minutes on most days or daily If you smokå, seeking help to stop Restricting your alcohol intake