September 2022 Health Tip

by J. Renee Livsey, RN-BC |  September 1, 2022

 
The Health and Wellness Ministry at Mt. Zion is dedicated to educating our church family about health issues that affect our community. This month we will discuss the importance of maintaining our blood pressure at a therapeutic level.
 
High blood pressure, or Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure (top number) of 140 or more, or a diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) of 90 or more. If you are taking blood pressure medication or have been told by your health provider that you have hypertension, please take it seriously. Hypertension can be controlled if you take your medication every day. It is important to measure your blood pressure every day and record it. If you get a reading of less than 90/40 or heart rate less than 60, notify your health care provider. Do not stop taking your medication until instructed to do so. Usually, your provider will have given you instructions on when to hold your medication.
 
Uncontrolled hypertension can cause damage to the internal organs leading to: Stroke (CVA), kidney failure, damage to your veins/arteries, heart failure and rupture of your body's main artery (aorta). Early symptoms of organ damage and failure include: headache, blurred vision, swelling in your feet, hands or around your eyes, chest pain, and back pain. If you begin to have any symptoms, alert your health care provider immediately.
 
Preventing and treating high blood pressure is important because there are typically no symptoms until it has caused damage to your organs. High blood pressure is called the silent killer for this reason. If you have hypertension and are on medication, please take it every day. If your provider has suggested that you lose weight, take steps to do that. Other things that may help are decreasing salt intake, daily exercise, and decrease stress.
 
 

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