THE SILENT THREAT: UNDERSTANDING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects many people in Scotland.
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ccording to NHS inform, around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, and it is responsible for more
than half of all strokes and heart attacks. High blood pressure is also a risk factor for heart disease, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.
Managing and measuring blood pressure is essential for preventing these health problems. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number). Systolic pressure is the measure of blood pressure exerted when the heart beats and forces blood around the body. Diastolic pressure is the measure of blood pressure when the heart is resting in between beats.
An ideal blood pressure reading is between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. High blood pressure is when readings are consistently above 140/90mmHg. High blood pressure does not usually cause any obvious symptoms which means regular checks are important.
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What are the risk factors for high blood pressure? Risk factors for high blood pressure include: • age (the risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age. Half of people over 75 years have the condition.)
• poor diet • lack of exercise • being overweight • excessive alcohol consumption.
Also, for reasons not fully understood, people of Afro-Caribbean and South Asian origin (Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi) are more likely to develop high blood pressure than other ethnic groups.
Measuring blood pressure The only way to confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis is to have regular blood pressure checks. Blood pressure checks are usually available on request at most GP surgeries and health clinics. Patients can ask their GP when they are next due for their blood pressure to be
checked. Adults who are over 40 and have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure should have their blood pressure checked at least once every five years. However, blood pressure should ideally be checked more frequently, particularly if there are any contributory risk factors.
There are several ways to manage high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing salt and alcohol intake, and quitting smoking can help lower blood pressure. In addition, medication such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics can be used to lower blood pressure.
Managing and measuring blood pressure is essential for preventing health problems such as strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.
Pharmacies in Scotland continue to play an important role in helping patients manage their high blood pressure by providing advice on medication and important lifestyle changes.
MANAGING AND MEASURING BLOOD PRESSURE IS ESSENTIAL FOR PREVENTING HEALTH PROBLEMS
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