Hypertension is defined as persistent elevation of systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or greater and diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or greater.  Many people (estimated to be over 1 in 3 people over the age of 40 years) have hypertension but more than half do NOT even realise they are affected! 

Why do we need to treat Hypertension properly?

Hypertension is a ‘silent disease’ and as such you are encouraged to take the opportunity to take your blood pressure regularly when you visit your doctor or pharmacist.  Untreated hypertension or poorly controlled blood pressure puts you at risk of getting the following conditions which can even lead to premature death;

• Heart attack (and heart failure)
• Stroke
• Kidney damage (and renal failure)

Click to view CDC video on Treating Hypertension

Management of Hypertension

1. Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can lower your blood pressure by 4-5 mmHg which can reduce the risk of stroke by 15% and heart attack by 6%.  You can help yourself adopt a more healthy lifestyle by the following means;

• Choose more healthy food choices and reduce salt from your diet
• Aim to have at least 75 to 150 minutes of exercises per week depending on your age and physical ability
• Get your weight to a healthy BMI suitable for your height and age
• Reduce physical and mental stress
• Get better quality sleep
• Quit smoking if you are a smoker

2. Start Medication with your doctor

If lifestyle changes cannot help reduce your blood pressure or if your blood pressure remains at a persistently high and dangerous level, your doctor may need to start you on medication. 

Click to view BestDocs Network video on Blood Pressure Medications

Monitoring your Blood Pressure

While you are on treatment for high blood pressure, it is advisable to measure your own blood pressure at home with a self-measuring device.  It is simple, affordable and helps you to stay healthy.  These are some guidelines on what to do depending on your blood pressure readings;

Systolic Pressure (mmHg)	Diastolic Pressure (mmHg)	Recommendation
Less than 120	Less than 80	Check your blood pressure with your pharmacist or doctor twice a year
121 to 139	81 to 89	Monitor closely and make healthy lifestyle changes. Check your blood pressure with your pharmacist or doctor every 2-3 months
Greater than 140	Greater than 90	See your doctor for a check up as soon as possible because you may need to add or change your medications

Click to view CDC video on Getting your Blood Pressure under control

Remember to check your blood pressure & blood tests regularly with your pharmacist or doctor to monitor your health

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Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.