Blood Pressure Training

1. Blood Pressure Training

2. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. High blood pressure (hypertension) killed 20,261 Americans in 2002 and contributed to deaths of over 100,000 people. One in three adult Americans has high blood pressure. Of those people with high blood pressure, nearly one-third don't know they have it. Of all people with high blood pressure, 40% aren’t on therapy (special diet or drugs); of those on therapy, only 34% have adequately controlled their hypertension. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Statistics

3. Understanding Blood Pressure • Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood flowing through your blood vessels against the vessel walls. It is reported as two numbers, e.g., 120/80. • The first, higher number (systolic) is the pressure of the blood against the artery walls when the heart contracts (e.g., 120). • The second, lower number (diastolic) is the pressure against the artery walls when the heart relaxes between beats (e.g., 80).

4. …so what is Hypertension? • Arteries and arterioles are elastic, allowing for blood to flow at different rates. • As you grow older your arteries naturally harden and become less elastic (other external factors also speed up the process, e.g. diet). • This decreased elasticity in arteries and arterioles cause a decrease in blood volume allowed in the arteries. • The heart has to then work harder to supply the necessary blood into the body’s organs, and the pressure on the walls increases, thus high BP.

5. What are the effects of Hypertension? • Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. • Excess blood pressure can also cause arteries to bulge (aneurysm) or burst (hemorrhage).

6. Who can develop it? • High BP can affect both children and adults, but it is most common in adults over the age of 35. • It is particularly prevalent in African-Americans, middle-aged and elderly people, obese people, heavy drinkers, and women taking the birth control pill. • It may also run in families with a strong medical history of high blood pressure. • Individuals with diabetes, gout or kidney diseases also have a higher frequency of hypertension.

7. Detection • Nearly one-third of those with high blood pressure don’t know they have it. • Your heart, brain, and kidneys can handle increased pressure for a long time. That’s why you can live for years without any symptoms. However, that doesn’t mean your organs are not being damaged. • The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly.

8. Detection continued… Classification of blood pressure for adults age 18 years and older, with recommended follow-up ** Depending on clinical situation * Unusually low readings should be evaluated

9. Prevention The best way to prevent hypertension is to control your risk factors. • Lose weight if you’re overweight - Fatty tissue requires a lot of blood to feed it. • Get regular physical activity - 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. • Eat healthy - avoid high intake of salt and eat enough fruits, vegetables, fat-free and low-fat dairy products. Cut back on the tamales, tortillas, and carne. • Stop smoking –tobacco is another key risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Avoid excessive alcohol. • Decrease sodium (salt) intake- some high Na+ foods include: pickles, bologna, chips, cheeses, soy sauce, bacon, and nuts • Manage your stress – stress can lead to other risk factors, such as smoking and drinking. Relax for short periods during the day. • Discuss oral contraceptives with your doctor. • Discuss the use of some medications with your doctor, such as stimulants.

10. Finally!!!! Blood Pressure Protocol • Place blood pressure cuff of proper size around upper arm so that the lower edge of the cuff lies 2-4 cm above the elbow. • Place arm in relaxed position on table with the palm of the hand facing upward. • Place stethoscope over brachial artery and hold in place with fingers of left hand. • In right hand, hold squeeze bulb and close the valve by turning clockwise (right). • Squeeze the bulb repeatedly until pressure reaches 180 mmHg (or 30mmHg above systolic pressure by hand). • Partially open valve by turning counterclockwise (left) • Listen for pulse; this is the systolic blood pressure. • The diastolic blood pressure is recorded as the number where you stop hearing the pulse in the brachial artery. • Deflate cuff completely.