𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒅𝒆 4, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑩 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑵𝑶𝑻 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚

Let’s be real. Delaying seeking medical care can lead to serious and unpleasant outcomes such as stroke or heart attack. For those who may not have access to emergency services, try to inform someone immediately once you start experiencing symptoms and ask to be taken to the nearest healthcare center or clinic. This could save your heart-and your life.

How Often Should You Check Your Blood Pressure? Do you have a BP machine at home, or does a family member have one? Some retail stores also offer free BP machines that you can use. Always ensure you are using the correct cuff size, as this affects accuracy. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends checking blood pressure twice daily for at least 3-7 days before a healthcare provider visit. This provides a more accurate overall picture of your BP levels.

For people with no known blood pressure issues, checking BP weekly or monthly is sufficient. Tips for Checking Blood Pressure Correctly Always check your BP when you or your loved one is relaxed. Sit quietly and rest for at least 5 minutes before checking. This helps calm the nervous system and prevents the body from being in “fight or flight” mode. • Avoid exercise, smoking, and caffeine before checking BP • Empty your bladder • Sit correctly (do not cross your legs), remain quiet and still • Take at least two readings, one minute apart, for accuracy • Do not overcheck BP when it is high, as this can increase anxiety and cause BP to rise further

What Should You Do with Your BP Numbers?

• Normal BP: No worries (refer to Episode 4, Part A). Continue with healthy lifestyle habits. • Elevated BP: This should be on your radar. Reduce salt intake, avoid fast foods, manage weight if overweight or obese, and book an appointment with your healthcare provider. Elevated BP can quickly worsen if ignored. • High BP: You should already be under the care of your primary care provider with a treatment plan in place. High blood pressure is a silent killer-manage it before it manages you. You have control over your body, so don’t delay. • Hypertensive Crisis: This requires immediate medical attention (STAT care). At this stage, BP has exceeded the first four categories and needs urgent intervention.

Research Reference Supported by the American Heart Association (AHA) Ref: www.heart.org

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫! 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲.

𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬-𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐬!