* AWARENESS
Some common mistakes include, but are not limited to:
v Only taking one reading. Ideally you should take at least two readings a few minutes apart.
v Sitting on a bed or with feet dangling instead of straight up with your feet flat on the floor.
v Using a cuff that doesn’t fit right or positioning it incorrectly on your arm.
v Drinking caffeine or exercising right before taking your blood pressure.
Lowering Your Blood Pressure Can Save Your Life
Remember that positive changes are not always easy, but they are achievable. There are many strategies, including online tools, to support you in making lifestyle changes that you can sustain. In addition, there are many options for blood pressure-lowering medications, and it’s important for you to take them as prescribed and to help control your blood pressure successfully.
High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because it has no symptoms. It puts you at a much greater risk for developing heart disease and other health issues. It is a leading cause of death from heart attacks and a stroke. Hypertension is also second only to cigarette smoking as a preventable cause of death.
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Talk With Your Healthcare Team It’s important to discuss any concerns you may have with your providers. You may want to ask the following questions: v I haven’t really been concerned about my blood pressure, which has always been below 140/90 mmHg. What’s different now?
v Will I need medication? v I’m already on a cholesterol-lowering medication and have been doing well. Based on the new guidelines, my blood pressure is no longer considered controlled. What do I need to do now?
v How does my risk of having heart disease or a stroke factor in to how my blood pressure is treated?
v Which home blood pressure monitor would you recommend? How often should I be taking and recording my blood pressure?
v How do I use my blood pressure cuff? How do I know if it’s accurate?
v How often should I have my blood pressure rechecked? v What lifestyle changes should I make? v How much salt is safe for me to use with high blood pressure? v What is the difference between salt and sodium? v Should I see a dietitian?
For more information, visit
CardioSmart.org/HighBP.
ISTOCK.COM
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