Many times, individuals have hypertension and typically it is triggered by factors such as heart disease or stress from work, children or "life just happening". It is essential that as we discuss self-care let us not forget to understand that self-care goes beyond the outer appearance.
Hypertension symptoms are headaches, blurred vision, palpations and more. Living with this can alter your daily activities; preventing you from being productive due to being uncomfortable.
It is essential that you take time for you, do the things that make you feel good, learn how to say NO without explanation and make sure that you don't allow any negativity in your life. Negativity doesn't just exist through actions but words. Be mindful of what is going in your ear and coming out of your mouth.
Today we encourage you to practice self-care but do not forget to do those things that make you feel good but also relieves pressure from your heart. Do not leave from getting a massage and or nails done, and you are still holding on to stress.
Hypertension prevention tips are commonly discussed such as eating healthy foods, drinking water, exercising and more but remember a form of self-care requires consistency. Sticking with the plan that you have set for yourself. Not wavering keeping up with doctor appointments.
Today we encourage you to take time to rejuvenate, let stress go by getting assistance such as a mental health therapist, practicing spirituality and meditation, exercising consistently. Also, remember if you are able to try delegating in home to your children, spouse or even paying someone to help you (if possible). With consistency and time these actions will relieve the heart because it relieves stress from the mind and physical body.
In conclusion, strengthen your heart but continuously performe self-care in all areas. With time it gets better, and you can help prevent, decrease and or manage your hypertension in addition to medication and lifestyle factors are essential!
Readings from the American Heart Association are the following:
Blood pressure categories
The five blood pressure ranges as recognized by the American Heart Association are the following:
Normal Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
Elevated Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.
Hypertension Stage 1 Hypertension Stage 1 is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), such as heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension Stage 2 Hypertension Stage 2 is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher. At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
Hypertensive crisis This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.
If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 mm Hg and you are experiencing signs of possible organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own. Call 911.
Found at https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
