Connecting Care - Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network

Chronic Disease Management
Ten things you didn’t know
about high blood pressure
(hypertension)
by Dr. Rick Ward
1. If you live long enough…
…you’ll likely get high blood pressure!
Just about
everyone has high blood pressure by age 90. There
are many things you can do to prevent from getting
hypertension. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular
activity, eating a heart healthy diet, not smoking and
moderate alcohol intake reduces your risk of developing
high blood pressure. What you can’t do is change your
genetics. If one or both of your parents have high blood
pressure you are at increased risk.
2. Reading that ‘top’ number
A common misconception is that the ‘top’ blood pressure
number (or systolic reading) increases harmlessly with
age. In fact, the blood pressure reading that is most
correlated with heart attack, stroke and death is isolated
systolic hypertension - a high ‘top number’ and a low
‘bottom number’. Systolic blood pressures above 140
in most people should be treated with medication and
lifestyle changes to reduce risk of heart attack or stroke.
3. When your doctor takes your blood
pressure
Proper measurement is essential to evaluate blood pressure
accurately. To do this, you should be sitting quietly, no
talking 5 minutes before, feet flat on floor with a fully
supported arm resting at the level of your heart. Think of
your visits to your doctor’s office and how infrequently
all these conditions occur. Many physicians encourage
home blood pressure readings with certified monitors and
have patients bring in a record of their readings.
4. Take your blood pressure when you’re
feeling well
High blood pressure has been called the silent killer –
there are seldom any symptoms. A common situation
is for patients to take their blood pressure when they
are feeling stressed, tired or sick. The body’s natural
response to these conditions is to increase blood pressure
and pulse. These blood pressure readings do not mean
you have hypertension – just that you need to have your
blood pressure taken when you are feeling well.
5. Firefighters do more than fight fires
In Calgary, our firefighters offer a blood pressure screening
program for the public. You can get your blood pressure
checked by a trained firefighter at any community fire
hall from 1:00 to 9:00 pm. This unique and progressive
program increases the access of good blood pressure
assessment for Calgarians.
6. Your choice – another pill or throwing out
the saltshaker
Following a low salt, heart healthy diet is as effective as
taking medication to lower blood pressure. The DASH diet
is a balanced, effective strategy to lower blood pressure
naturally. Information on the DASH diet – one that is rich
in fresh fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products and low
in saturated fats – can be found by visiting www.cfpcn.
ca and clicking on Patient Resources. Healthy eating and
avoiding salt (sodium) containing foods should be the first
step in reducing blood pressure. While modification of
your diet will help control your blood pressure, don’t stop
your BP medications unless directed by your physician.
7. Automatic machines at the pharmacy
Two things are coming together – better technology and
increased emphasis on obtaining blood pressure readings
outside of the physicians’ office. If you do not have a
blood pressure monitor at home, the machines at the
pharmacy or a viable option. If you are concerned about
readings that seem higher than you would expect, visit a
fire station or ask your pharmacist.
8. Blood pressure medications are effective
While all medications have the potential for causing side
effects, the most common effects associated with taking
blood pressure medication is lowered blood pressure and
living longer. In the last 15 years since the widespread
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