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HYPERTENSION. The Silent Killer…. The Cardiovascular System. Heart (cardiac). Circulation (vascular). The Heart:. Muscle with 2 part pump action. Closely related to the brain. Stays healthy by reducing risks. What Is Blood Pressure (BP) ?.
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HYPERTENSION The Silent Killer…
The Cardiovascular System • Heart (cardiac) • Circulation (vascular)
The Heart: • Muscle with 2 part pump action. • Closely related to the brain. • Stays healthy by reducing risks.
What Is Blood Pressure (BP)? • Blood moves through the arteries at a higher pressure than normal.
What Do The Numbers Mean? • Systolic is the 1st number. • Highest pressure when heart squeezes blood out.
What Do The Numbers Mean? (Cont) • Diastolic is the 2nd number. • Highest pressure when the heart is filling with blood (relaxing between beats).
What is Hypertension? • Also called hypertension • When the blood moves at a higher pressure than normal through the arteries.
Facts About BP • 120/80 “normal”. • Can vary in same person. • Lower in children, increases with age.
Facts About BP (Cont) • Increases in overweight individuals. • Increases in exercise and emotional excitement. • Decreases slightly during sleep.
What Causes High BP? • Often unknown cause. • Linked to a disease or drug. Controllable risk factors Uncontrollable risk factors
Do I Have High Blood Pressure? • Based on a series of readings. • Speak with your doctor.
Why Is It Called “The Silent Killer”? • It often goes undiagnosed. • Often people have no symptoms.
So What If My BP Is High? • Higher risk of heart attack, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure. • Damages blood vessels.
What Can You Do About It? • Lower your risk by making lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle Changes • Stop smoking
Lifestyle Changes (Cont) • Maintain a healthy weight
Lifestyle Changes (Cont) • Sodium and calcium • Lower salt intake • Make sure you have enough calcium in your diet
Lifestyle Changes (Cont) • Fat and cholesterol
Lifestyle Changes (Cont) • Exercise regularly
Lifestyle Changes (Cont) • Alcohol
Lifestyle Changes (Cont) • Manage stress Be Happy! Or else!
Medications (Antihypertensives) • Goal is to lower BP to normal level
Healthy Living • Is this all really important? • By modifying your lifestyle you can lower your risk of high blood pressure • Take the first steps to better health