When the blood flow from the heart to the organs (i.e. liver, kidney, pancreas, brain) is not enough, the kidneys then release chemicals to increase blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body causing high blood pressure, making the heart work harder.
This then causes the heart to always work harder and hence one has high blood pressure continuously.
It also makes the heart less efficient and it then has too work even harder over time , hence ones blood pressure go up over time
The blood vessels normally stretch and de-stretch (pulse) to cope with normal blood pressure but with high blood pressure it looses that stretching motion and becomes more stiff and narrow , this can raise blood pressure even further as wells fats and cholesterol, blood begin to clog up and this can led to a blockage and eventually an heart attack and/or angina and/or stroke (if arteries are in the brain) .
Most blood pressure is of unknown cause (essential or primary hypertension).
Less than 10% is caused by an underlying cause (secondary hypertension).
Taking blood pressure tips:
Don’t have a conversation
Support the arm at heart level
Use the correct cuff size (do not use wrist ones, or watch devices or apps, debatable if they provide accurate results).
Put the cuff on a bare arm
Support the feet, keep the legs uncrossed
Ensure the patient has an empty bladder, and support the back
Most guidelines recommend taking three readings, the “pragmatic” focus proposed in the international consensus accepts at least two readings separated by a minimum of 30 seconds. The two readings should then be averaged out.
Three ‘Synergistic’ Problems When Taking Blood Pressure
Systolic blood pressure is the higher value reading on your blood pressure device, it tells you the pressure in your blood vessels/arteries generated when the heart beats.
Diastolic blood pressure is the lower value reading on your blood pressure device and tells you the pressure of your blood vessels/arteries between heart beats.
Reading
Result
Action
(90/60) or less
If your top number is 90 or lessmore regardless of bottom number
If your bottom number is 60 or less regardless of top number
· If your top number is 140 or more regardless of bottom number
If your bottom number is 90 or more regardless of top number
High blood pressure
See Medical Doctor
Terms of hypertension:
Prehypertension: Blood pressure that is higher than the desirable range, but not high enough to be labeled hypertension. In prehypertension, the systolic pressure is 120 to 129 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is less than 80 mmHg.
Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic pressure 130 to 139 mmHg or diastolic pressure 80 to 89 mmHg
Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic pressure greater than 139 mmHg or pressure diastolic greater than 89 mmHg
verywellHealth
New guidelines for hypertension and blood pressure and exercise regimens
2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension
Please click link below in regarding exercise regimens.
Condition that increases Aldosterone (Conns syndrome, tumours on adrenal gland, causing excess renin secretion hyperaldosteronism- which can cause metabolic alkolosis)
Chronic hypertension: precedes pregnancy, develops before 20 weeks of gestation, persists for >6 weeks post-partum, and may be associated with proteinuria.
Gestational hypertension: develops after 20 weeks of gestation and usually resolves within 6 weeks post-partum.
Antenatally unclassifiable hypertension: BP is first recorded after 20 weeks of gestation, and hypertension is diagnosed but it is unclear if chronic or not; reassessment is necessary 6 weeks post-partum.
Blood pressure should be checked annually, more often if not controlled.
Blood pressure should be checked on a daily basis and results should be recorded in a diary and should be shown to your medical doctor at your next appointment.
Over 40 years old(please make sure you have a blood pressure examination)?
Low blood pressure
If one has low blood pressure (90/60mmHg or lower) and is fainting or feel like they will faint, please see your doctor on the same day, if one has no symptoms , do an annual blood pressure check up but please be aware of low blood pressure symptoms and if they do occur then see your doctor on the same day.
High blood pressure:
Average Normal blood pressure: Between 90/60mmHg and 134/84mmHg
Average Stage 1 Hypertension: Between 135/85 mmHg and 149/94 mmHg
Please consider further blood pressure monitoring (Ambulance Blood pressure monitoring, this device measures your blood pressure during a 24 hour period) and one should make an appointment with a doctor with in two weeks (if you experience high blood pressure symptoms , do not wait, see your medical doctor on the same day).
The device must not get wet, baths and showers avoided during 24 hour period.
The device will take measurements every 30 minutes during waking hours and every 60 minutes during sleeping hours for 24 hours.
You will be alerted just before the monitor is about to take a reading, when this occurs:
Try to sit down, if possible
Position the arm that has the cuff on it at the same level as your heart and keep your arm still.
If you are not able to sit down, use your other arm to support you to achieve this position.
if you are sitting down, do not cross your legs during the measurement.
You are advised not to drive during the 24 hour period due to distraction of the cuff inflating.
Avoid vigorous exercise during the 24 hour monitoring period, this will help to avoid exercise related spikes in your blood pressure. A gentle or brisk walk is normally fine.
Monitoring will continue at night, so consider where you place the device if it is not directly attached to the cuff i.e. under the pillow or on a bedside table.
Please make a note of the time if one takes any type of medication and the time of any activities during the monitoring period.
Average Stage 2 Hypertension: Between 150/95 mmHg or higher:
This is urgent and one should see their doctor on the same day.
This condition may show similar symptoms to:
Acromegaly (especially if blood pressure is not in control)
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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