A chronic health condition I want to talk about in this article is high blood pressure, also called hypertension. My nursing sorority, Chi Eta Phi, Houston Chapter, participated in a health fair this weekend. We taught participants about reading nutrition labels, choosing healthy foods, managing medications, and controlling blood pressure. What worried me most was the high blood pressure we saw. During conversations with those whose blood pressure was taken, I found they were on prescribed medications. However, everyone who attended the health fair had not taken their medication that day. I should mention that not all participants were seniors. So, stepping slightly out of order, I felt it necessary to address uncontrolled blood pressure firmly with our Forward Times readers.
If You Don’t Control Your Blood Pressure…It Will Control You!
What is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension?
The force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. Blood pressure results from two influences. The first, called systolic pressure, happens as blood pumps out of the heart and into the arteries. The second, diastolic pressure is created as the heart rests between heartbeats. These two numbers are your blood pressure reading. We don’t want to see the top number higher than 130 and the bottom above 70. You will find different discussions on this, but don’t ignore numbers past these.
High blood pressure can lead to many obvious problems that can create life-changing outcomes. Hypertension impacts older adults and young adults. If there is a family history of hypertension (genetic), this is not to be taken lightly! Getting annual physicals is vital in the African-American community to catch health issues early.
What You Need To Know!
Undiagnosed high blood pressure is dangerous and deadly. If you have heard the words “pre-hypertension, this is your warning to address the abnormal readings. The realities of untreated high blood pressure are numerous. Stroke, vision loss, heart failure, and kidney dysfunction can be the outcome of untreated high blood pressure.
I will leave you with some stern suggestions:
· Annual physicals are a must.
· If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, take your medications at a scheduled time daily.
· If you track your blood pressure and the readings remain elevated despite taking medications, speak with your practitioner. You may need medication changes.
· Smoking and excessive alcohol use affect blood pressure.
· Remember, blood pressure is a silent killer. This is why genetics matters!
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, if you have high blood pressure, work with your health care professional to control it. This may mean taking medications in addition to making healthy lifestyle changes. Controlling your blood pressure will help you live a longer, healthier life. Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager who serves as the CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She’s excited to share her latest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. Her previous works, From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers, reflect her experiences and insights gained during her heartfelt caregiving journey.