Blood Pressure Clinic

Blood Pressure Clinic

Sponsored by the Wellness Ministry Team

Why have a Blood Pressure taken?

• Determines if you need to visit a doctor
• Indicates if a medication is working
• Provides a record to take to the doctor at the next visit’
• Is an opportunity to talk to the nurse about concerns
• Give peace of mind that your BP is OK
• :Your doctor has recommended you have BP checked
• It is available for you without extra travel time or cost

What do the numbers mean and are they important?

Blood Pressure is the measurement of pressure inside the blood vessels as the heart pumps and relaxes with each beat. There are two measurements taken to indicate the stress on the body vessels.

• Systolic – The high pressure number during the heart’s pumping phase. It measures the force against the blood vessels during the pumping phase.
• Diastolic – The low pressure number during the heart’s resting phase before the next pump. It measures the pressure that is constant on the vessels.

• Hypertension – High Blood Pressure should be avoided because it causes damage to the heart, kidneys and general  body function. Usually there are no symptoms to indicate hypertension so the only way to detect this is to have BP taken or measured.

Each person has their own “normal” blood pressure number. Check with your doctor about the guidelines for your specific situation.

How to reduce your blood pressure

Limit the following activities to help reduce your Blood Pressure.

Increase activity – more walking if nothing else

Relaxation & reduce bad stress

Reduce your weight

Medications – taken as prescribed’

Smoking – stop all forms (cigarettes, pipe, cigar, second hand smoke )

Alcohol consumption

Diseases that increase BP:

• Diabetes
• Gout
• Obesity
• High Cholesterol
• Kidney Disease

Hi Blood Pressure directly increases the risk of Coronary Artery disease which leads to heart attack and stroke.

Take care of your body – it’s the only one you have.

• Eat a balanced diet
• Increase vegetables, fiber, reduced sugar & fat
• Fruits  in place of sweets

It pays to lower your blood pressure and keep healthy – your life depends on it!!!!!