Advertisement

Thursday 6 March 2014

OTHER RISK FACTORS FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

A family history of HBP raises your risk for the condition. Long-lasting stress also can put you at risk for HBP.
Youre also more likely to develop HBP if you have Pre-hypertension. Pre-hypertension means that your blood pressure is in the 120-139/80-89 mmHg range.

Risk Factors for Children and Teens

Overweight is on the rise in youth younger than 18 years. As a result, Pre-hypertension and HBP also are becoming more common in this age group. Like adults, children and teens need to have routine blood pressure checks. This is even more important if a young person is overweight. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? High blood pressure (HBP) itself usually has no symptoms. Rarely, headaches may occur. You can have HBP for years without knowing it. During this time, HBP can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Some people only learn that they have HBP after the damage has caused problems, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure.
Knowing your blood pressure numbers is important, even when youre feeling fine. If your blood pressure is normal, you can work with your health care team to keep it that Way. If your numbers are too high, you can take steps to lower them and control your blood pressure. This helps reduce your risk for complications.


HOW IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DIAGNOSED?


Your doctor will diagnose high blood pressure (HBP) using the results of blood pressure tests. These tests wil be done several times to make sure the results are correct. If your numbers are high, your doctor may have you return for more tests to check your blood pressure over time. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher over time, your doctor will likely diagnose you with HBP. If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered HBP. The HBP ranges in children are different.

HOW IS BLOOD PRESSURE TESTED


 A blood pressure test is easy and painless. This test is done at a doctors office or clinic. To prepare for the test:

Dont drink coffee or smoke cigarettes for 30 minutes prior to the test. These actions may cause a short-term rise in your blood pressure.
Go to the bathroom before the test. Having a full bladder can change your blood pressure reading.
Sit for 5 minutes before the test. Movement can cause short-term rises in blood pressure.
To measure your blood pressure, your doctor or nurse will use some type of a gauge, a stethoscope (or electronic sensor), and a blood pressure cuff. Most often, you will sit or lie down with the cuff around your arm as your doctor or nurse checks your blood pressure. If he or she doesnt tell you what your blood pressure numbers you should ask.

No comments:

Post a Comment