HYPERTENSION

What It Is

Hypertension means you have high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your blood vessels. If the pressure is too high for too long, it can damage your heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.

Causes and Risk Factors

You are more likely to have high blood pressure if you:

Eat too much salt or processed food
Are overweight or obese
Do not exercise regularly
Smoke
Drink too much alcohol
Have stress over a long period of time
Have family members with high blood pressure
Have kidney disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol
Are older (risk increases with age)

Signs and Symptoms

High blood pressure is called a “silent killer” because you may not feel anything at first.
Possible signs or early warning symptoms:

Headaches
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Nosebleeds
Danger signs may mean a crisis:
Severe headache
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Weakness or numbness
Trouble speaking

Complications if Untreated or if Patient Does Not Follow Plan

If blood pressure stays high, it can cause:

Heart attack
Stroke
Heart failure
Kidney damage
Vision loss
Death

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Treatment can include:

Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight control, stress management)
Medications to lower blood pressure
Regular blood pressure checks at home or clinic

Self-care steps:

Check your blood pressure as directed
Take your medicine at the same time every day
Eat a healthy, low-salt diet
Exercise most days
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Manage stress

Common Types of Medications

Diuretics (water pills) – help remove extra salt and water from the body
- Possible side effects: more urination, low potassium, dizziness
ACE inhibitors – relax blood vessels
- Possible side effects: cough, dizziness, high potassium
Beta blockers – slow the heart rate and reduce workload on the heart
- Possible side effects: tiredness, cold hands/feet
Calcium channel blockers – relax and widen blood vessels
- Possible side effects: swelling in ankles, constipation, headache

Dietary Needs and Lifestyle Changes

Follow a low-salt or DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
Eat more:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
Avoid:
- Salty snacks
- Canned soups
- Processed meats
- Fast food
Exercise 30 minutes most days
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit alcohol (no more than 1 drink/day for women, 2 for men)
Stop smoking

Safety Considerations

Always check blood pressure before taking certain new medicines (including over-the-counter cold medicine)
Stand up slowly to avoid dizziness
Do not skip or stop medicines without talking to your doctor
Keep track of your readings in a notebook or app

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Check blood pressure at the same time each day
Keep your readings in your chart or log
Know your target numbers:
- Less than 120/80 mmHg is normal
- 130/80 mmHg or higher needs treatment for most adults
See your doctor regularly
Follow your diet and exercise plan even if you feel fine

When to Call for Help

Call your home health nurse or doctor if:

Your blood pressure is higher than your target range for more than 2 readings
You have dizziness, mild headache, or swelling in your legs
You have questions about your medications

Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room if:

Your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mmHg AND you have symptoms like:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble speaking
- Weakness or numbness
- Severe headache
- Vision changes

Patient Homework / Assessment — True or False.Please correct all False Statements

True or False: Hypertension means high blood pressure.
True or False: You can always feel when your blood pressure is high.
True or False: Eating less salt can help lower blood pressure.
True or False: High blood pressure can damage the heart, brain, and kidneys.
True or False: Diuretics help the body get rid of extra salt and water.
True or False: You should stop taking your medicine if you feel fine.
True or False: The DASH diet can help lower blood pressure.
True or False: Smoking can make blood pressure worse.
True or False: Exercise can help lower blood pressure.
True or False: Chest pain with high blood pressure can be a medical emergency.
True or False: Beta blockers work by making your heart beat faster.
True or False: Stress can raise blood pressure.
True or False: You should keep a record of your blood pressure readings.
True or False: Swelling in your ankles can be a side effect of some blood pressure medicines.
True or False: 180/120 mmHg is considered a normal blood pressure.
True or False: Skipping blood pressure medicine can cause serious problems.
True or False: Your blood pressure goal is less than 120/80 mmHg for most people.
True or False: Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.
True or False: ACE inhibitors can cause coughing as a side effect.
True or False: High blood pressure can lead to stroke if untreated.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Patient Questions

What is your current blood pressure target number?
What were your last two blood pressure readings?
What time of day do you usually check your blood pressure?
What medications are you taking to control your blood pressure? (Include name, dose, and time)
Have you had any side effects from your blood pressure medicine?
What changes have you made in your diet to help lower your blood pressure?
What type of exercise do you do, and how often?
When was your last blood test or check-up for blood pressure control?