Hypertension is the most important risk factor for stroke (stroke) and one of the main risk factors associated with heart disease. It is important that your blood pressure is within the recommended values. If you think you are at risk or if you already have hypertension, you will find below information step by step on how to control it.
What is hypertension?
Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure or force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels called arteries. The top number represents the pressure when the heart contracts and pushes blood out (systolic) and the bottom number is the lowest pressure, when the heart relaxes between beats (diastolic). pressure pressure that is consistently above 140/90 mm Hg during measurements at the doctor's office or more than 135/85 mm Hg is considered high at home. If you are diabetic, a measurement of 140/90 mm Hg is considered high. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg If your blood pressure is between 130/85 mm Hg and 139/89 mm Hg you have a blood pressure "normal high", which is more likely to become hypertension.
How do I check my blood pressure?
The only way to know if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked by your doctor or other qualified health care provider. It is recommended for the general public to check their blood pressure at least once every two years. If you have received a diagnosis of hypertension (or other related health problems), your doctor will recommend that you have it checked more often. Be sure to ask your doctor how often your blood pressure should be checked.
What are the values of blood pressure?
Category |
Systolic / Diastolic |
Par |
120-129 / 80-84 |
High normal |
130-139 / 85-89 |
Blood pressure Blood pressure Hypertension in |
140/90
135/85 140/90 |
A high reading does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. If your reading is high, you should be measured at least twice at different times to see if it is consistently high.
Record your blood pressure readings. You and your doctor can determine if your blood pressure is within the healthy values. The need and the type of treatment your blood pressure depends on many factors.
What causes hypertension does heart disease and stroke?
Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls, causing scarring that promotes the build-up of fatty plaque that can narrow the arteries and later the block. It also strains the heart and, over time, weaken. A very high blood pressure may cause the rupture of blood vessels inside the brain and cause a stroke.
What can I do to control my blood pressure?
Hypertension can be caused by many factors. Some of these factors are beyond your control, such as age, ethnicity and gender. Other factors, such as diet, physical activity and smoking may be modified by improving their lifestyles to reduce the risk of hypertension.
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly, as recommended by your health care provider.
- If your doctor has prescribed medications , take them as directed.
- Reduce your intake of sodium. Found elevated sources of sodium in several types of ready-to-eat snacks, as well as among the meats and smoked fish, salted, processed and canned. Also limit the amount of salt added during cooking or at the table. Foundation of heart disease recommends Canadians consume less than 2 300 mg of sodium (about 5 ml or 1 tsp.) Per day, whether or dishes prepared cil that are added during cooking and at the table. Eat a healthy balanced diet low in fat (especially saturated and trans fats) based on Canada's Food Guide . Tips for healthy eating, see Healthy Eating our website. Learn about the DASH diet , which can help you reduce your blood pressure.
- Be physically active for at least 150 minutes per week practicing aerobic activity of moderate to vigorous in segments of 10 minutes or more. Consult your healthcare provider before starting a physical activity program.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, the fact of losing as little as 5% or 10% of your weight can help lower your blood pressure and significantly reduce your risk of stroke or heart attack.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, talk to your doctor or health care provider about quitting. If you do not smoke, avoid second hand smoke.
- If you drink alcohol, do not take more than two drinks per day for a maximum of 10 drinks per week for women and more than 3 drinks per day for a maximum of 15 drinks per week for men. (Avoid drinking when you use a vehicle, taking medications or other substances that interact with alcohol, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, should make important decisions, make physical activity unsafe or are responsible for the safety others. Avoid drinking if you are addicted to alcohol or other problem physical or mental health. If you are worried about the effects of alcohol on your health, consult your doctor.)
- Find healthy ways to manage your stress. Too much stress can raise your blood pressure. Research suggests that how you manage your stress is important. Avoid unhealthy mechanisms stress management such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, spending too much screen time and relieve the rather physical activity, social activities, relaxation and healthy eating. Make sure to set aside time for you.
How to measure my blood pressure at home?
Home measurement of blood pressure can help your doctor diagnose hypertension correctly. Some people have a higher blood pressure during their visit to the doctor. However, while these people go about their daily lives, their blood pressure is normal. This problem is called "white coat syndrome" because it refers to the white coat of healthcare professionals.
By cons, some other people have normal blood pressure during their medical consultation, but this pressure rises in other circumstances. This phenomenon is known as masked hypertension. Your doctor may ask you to measure your blood pressure if necessary.
It is important to ensure that measures taken your blood pressure at home is accurate so that your health care professional may have just an overview of your blood pressure.
What are the considerations to make before purchasing a home blood pressure monitor for?
Before buying a sphygmomanometer for home use, you must know the exact size of the cuff you need. Here's how:
- Measure the circumference (midpoint between shoulder and elbow) of your upper arm bare.
- Match your measurement to those indicated on the box of the monitor or in the instruction manual.
How do I check my measurements are accurate at home?
Accurate readings also depend on how you prepare to take your blood pressure. Follow the steps below to obtain the most accurate reading possible:
- Sit five minutes before taking your reading.
- Refrain from smoking or drinking beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, cola) 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
- Do not measure your blood pressure when you are upset or in pain.
- If necessary, empty your bladder or bowel before starting.
- Sit quietly with your feet flat on the floor, leaning on a chair or on a firm surface for at least five minutes before and during the measurement.
- Use the same arm each time. Completely remove bulky clothing or tight in your arms.
- Wrap the blood pressure cuff around the upper arm adjusting naked (you should be able to get two fingers between the blood pressure cuff and your arm). The edge of the cuff should be about one to two centimeters (½ to 1 inch) above your elbow.
- Place your arm on a table or firm surface. The cuff should be equal to your heart.
- Do not talk and do not watch TV during the measurement.
- Take a measurement of your blood pressure and register there.
- Bring the sheet on which are listed the measurements of your blood pressure at your next appointment with your health care professional.
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