Understanding high blood pressure - diagnosis & treatment

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

Your doctor or practice nurse will check your blood pressure with a blood pressure cuff. It's important to pay attention to both the higher (systolic) and the lower (diastolic) numbers in your blood pressure readings. While high diastolic readings were once thought to be the most harmful to the body, it's now known that high systolic readings - greater than 140 - are dangerous, especially in adults over age 50. Systolic blood pressure is a much more important heart disease risk factor than diastolic pressure.

What are the treatments for high blood pressure?

Lifestyle changes to treat high blood pressure

Making lifestyle adjustments is key to maintaining normal blood pressure. Most doctors will suggest lifestyle changes before prescribing medicines. Lifestyle changes are also the recommended treatment for people whose readings are higher than the recommended 120/80 mg Hg but do not amount to hypertension. These changes include:

• Stop smoking. This is perhaps the most important step a person can take to improve health.
• Lose weight. Losing excess weight can help decrease your blood pressure. If you're overweight, work with your doctor to design a safe weight loss plan to get closer to your ideal weight.
• Eat healthily. Studies show that a diet low in salt and fat and high in fruits and vegetables can significantly lower blood pressure. The NHS says “Fruit and veg are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre that can help reduce the risk of diseases like cancer and heart disease.” Also, a 2002 study of diet and heart disease, published in The Journal of the American Medical association concluded, ” Substantial evidence indicates that diets using nonhydrogenated unsaturated fats as the predominant form of dietary fat, whole grains as the main form of carbohydrates, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, and adequate omega-3 fatty acids can offer significant protection against CHD (Coronary Heart Disease).” Changes in your diet should also include having low-fat dairy products.
• Exercise. Regular aerobic activity such as brisk walking on most days of the week can lower blood pressure. Regularity of exercise is as important as intensity.
• Limit alcohol. Stick to the current recommendations of men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day, and women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day. To calculate how many units is in one drink use this guide.
• • Single measure of spirits (25ml) = 1 unit of alcohol
  • Pint of normal-strength (3% to 5% ABV) beer = 2 units of alcohol
  • Pint of strong beer = 4 units of alcohol
  • Medium glass of wine (175ml) = 2 units of alcohol
  • Large glass of wine (250ml) = 3 units of alcohol
• Reduce stress. Emotional factors do play a role in blood pressure. Studies show that relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or even therapy to change reactions to stress may reduce blood pressure.