Hypertension? Home Health Can Help

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension), you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of American adults have it, yet only a quarter have it under control.

May is High Blood Pressure Education Month and the perfect time to think about getting your blood pressure under control – including finding ways to manage it at home. And the team at Traditions Health is here to help.

What is High Blood Pressure?

Normal blood pressure is considered less than 120 mmHg systolic and lower than 80 diastolic, or 120/80. You have hypertension if your systolic blood pressure is higher than 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure is above 80.  

Your doctor will measure your blood pressure during most primary care appointments, but you may have wondered what the numbers mean: Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure of blood in your arteries during a heartbeat, while diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure when your heart is at rest between beats.  

Very high blood pressure can lead to symptoms like chest pain, headaches, and blurred vision.  

High blood pressure can also damage your heart over time and put you at risk for dangerous conditions like: 

• Dementia
• Heart attacks
• Heart failure
• Kidney damage
• Strokes
• Vision problems

Some factors like age, family medical history, sex, and race can’t be changed. But others can be lowered with intention. It’s important to speak with your provider to understand your overall risk, and to gather insights on ways to manage it.

Lowering Blood Pressure at Home

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lower your blood pressure at home. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or medications, including:

• Eating a low-salt diet
• Exercising more
• Limiting alcohol
• Losing weight
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing stress
• Taking medication as directed

If you have very high or hard-to-control blood pressure, your doctor may also recommend self-monitoring your blood pressure at home.

To get an accurate reading at home, make sure to:

• Avoid caffeine and exercise for 30 minutes before your reading
• Go to the restroom
• Uncross your arms and legs, sit down, and relax for a few minutes

During your reading, support your arm so it’s at the same level as your heart, keep your feet flat on the floor, and avoid talking.

Home Health Can Help

If you’ve had trouble managing high blood pressure on your own, or if you have trouble getting to the doctor’s office for regular checkups, home health can provide hands-on assistance with lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other care to lower your blood pressure, including:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Medication management
• Medical social work
• Skilled nursing for more advanced care
• Supervised exercise programs and physical therapy

Home health providers help improve your independence by educating you on how to manage your condition and providing customized care plans to meet your needs.

Request Care from Traditions Health Today

Complete a request care form online or call a Traditions Health location near you to learn more about how we can support you and your loved one.