Lose a few pounds if overweight;
reduce or even eliminate alcohol;
quit smoking;
adopt a healthier diet;
get at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week;
reduce salt intake. The WHO
advises
adults to consume less than 5 grams of salt per day.
Diastolic blood pressure above 100
: “When diastolic blood pressure is higher, above 100, treatment should be started more quickly. Generally, the doctor begins with monotherapy. In other words, they prescribe a single medication to the patient. A few weeks later, the patient returns for a follow-up appointment to assess the effectiveness of this medication. If it works, great. If not, the doctor may try a combination of several medications.”£
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Tips and Tricks:
How is the diagnosis made?
“By simply measuring blood pressure in the doctor’s office. When the readings are above 140/90, it’s considered hypertension. But be aware, it will need to be confirmed with further measurements, because the white coat effect can raise blood pressure.”
Furthermore, blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, during sleep, exercise, etc. Therefore, patients should take their own measurements at home with a device worn on the upper arm, not the wrist, as the latter lack accuracy. To take their blood pressure, simply purchase an automatic blood pressure monitor (no prescription is required) from a pharmacy and follow the rule of three. That is:£
three measurements in the evening;
for three consecutive days.
“It is also possible to record your blood pressure for 24 hours using a cuff. This is called Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), or 24-hour blood pressure monitoring.” This test allows you to monitor blood pressure variations throughout the day and to measure blood pressure while the patient sleeps. It must be worn continuously during this time. You should not shower, to avoid damaging it. Apart from this restriction, wearing this cuff is completely painless and does not interfere with normal activities.
“The patient suffers from diastolic hypertension above 90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) when measured in the doctor’s office, and above 85 mmHg when measured by home monitoring or ABPM. This hypertension may be isolated, or associated with systolic hypertension.”
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Tips and Tricks
