Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when abnormal blood pressure rises to an unwanted level. This is an increase in strength given by blood to arterial walls. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is defined as a greater level of 130/80 mm Hg or 140/90 mm Hg according to various guidelines. Because most of the time, there are no real signs of hypertension, it is also called ‘silent killer’. Thus, increasing a significant risk to damage the brain, heart, kidney, and blood vessels. Ignoring the symptoms of blood pressure can be proven to be fatal and cause stroke, heart attacks including heart failure and kidney failure, if not diagnosed early and treated properly.
It is estimated that one in every three Indian adults over the age of 60 is influenced by hypertension. This shows how important it is to monitor blood pressure regularly to treat and avoid the risk of serious illness. Although, monitoring blood pressure is important, but measuring it in the right way is also important as an accurate measurement in hypertension people give a clear picture of cardiovascular risk. This is also very helpful for those who have BP boundaries and require the right diagnosis and treatment with the right drug. A small mistake in measuring BP has the potential to mislead someone as having a high BP, producing unnecessary drugs.
This world hypertension day, pay attention to the symptoms of warnings that should not be ignored by someone and some of the main tips to ensure accurate BP measurements.Symptoms:
- Headaches: Sometimes these could be triggered by lack of sleep. However, if you are suffering from a throbbing headache way too often, it could be a sign of high blood pressure.
- Nosebleeds: If your nose bleeds not due to sinusitis, then it could be a sign that you your blood pressure is high and needs to get levels checked.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath is also an indication for hypertension.
- Irregular heartbeat: Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats can also occur in hypertension patients. This happens due to uncontrolled pressure at which blood exerts force against artery walls.
- Chest pain: Due to shortness of breath in hypertension patients, in extreme cases, it could also lead to chest pain.
Tips for accurate BP measurement:
- The correct sized BP cuff needs to be put on the bare arm
- Having an empty bladder is advisable, a full bladder can increase BP readings
- Patients should sit still with back support and feet on the floor
- Avoid talking while measuring BP readings
- The arm should be supported at the level of the heart
- Avoid consuming food, caffeine, alcohol 30 minutes before measuring
- If monitoring blood pressure at home, minimum of three readings to be recorded and the average of the last two readings can be considered for the reading
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