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BLOOD PRESSURE - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Blood pressure is the flow of blood through your arteries. When the heart beats, the pressure against the walls of the arteries is greater than when it is at rest. A blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer) measures blood pressure.
When you have a blood pressure test, the blood pressure cuff tightens around your arms air is forced into it, and temporarily cuts off the circulation in the large artery in your arm. As the air is released, the sounds of blood flow returning can be heard with a stethoscope.
Systolic blood pressure is the first sound heard, which is the highest pressure in the arteries.
Diastolic blood pressure is the level of pressure after the pressure is released by letting the air out of the blood pressure cuff, the heart is then at rest.
These pressures are measured by a mercury column gauge and are reported as the systolic over the diastolic, for example: 120/80.
Most doctors set the figure of 140//90
as borderline between normal and high blood pressure. Everyone’s blood pressure goes up under certain circumstances, and it is not abnormal to exceed this figure during exertion, stress, illness, etc., but if your blood
pressure is consistently above this level, it could do damage to your heart. kidneys, eyes and arteries. Therefore if is very important that steps be taken to control the blood pressure in order to maintain good health.
METHODS TO HELP CONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE:
DIET:
If you are overweight, it is good for you to go on a weight reduction diet, as extra weight adds a burden to the heart and circulatory system. Sometimes weight loss
alone can sufficiently reduce your blood pressure. Salt intake should be reduced, as salt causes the body to retain fluids and can keep the blood pressure high. Animal fat (meat, eggs, dairy products) intake should
be lowered, as the fats can form deposits on the walls of the arteries, narrowing them and raising your blood pressure.
SMOKING:
Chemicals in tobacco can cause your arteries to tighten, thus raising the pressure. Quitting may reduce blood pressure.
EXERCISE:
Mild exercise can be important in controlling your blood pressure. A long walk at a moderate pace is invigorating, and gives you time to do some unhurried
thinking and reflection. Walking forty or forty five minutes a day, three to five times a week, is a healthy, good habit to develop.
LIFESTYLE:
Anxiety, tension and stress, along with exertion, cause a rise in your blood pressure.
Some part of EVERY DAY, should be devoted solely to your own pleasure,
enlightenment, relaxation and should be a break from the pressures of the rest of the day. This time may be used to watch the sunrise or sunset, look at the ocean, work in the garden, feed the birds, nap, read, smell the roses
or anything that serves no purpose than to make you happy and relaxed, and enjoy yourself and enjoy life.
MEDICATION:
There are several types of medication which are helpful in reducing blood pressure. Your doctor may have to try different medications and adjust the dosage to
achieve the best possible result. Your medicine should be taken as directed, and should never be discontinued without your doctor’s knowledge and approval.
PACIFIC BEACH URGENT CARE offers FREE BLOOD PRESSURE testing for our existing patients from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If your Blood Pressure indicates a potential problem, we will be happy to advise a course of action for appropriate medical care.]
Kathleen Collins, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner
The information enclosed is general in nature. Your best resource for your individual needs is your physician, one of whom you are comfortable to consult regarding your own special circumstances. Of course, you are always entitled to a second opinion from another physician in your area.
Office Address: 4490 Fanuel Street, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone (858) 274-9116
