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The PHARMACIST talks about …

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is common in Australia and it is a major contributor to heart attack and stroke.

Lifestyle and dietary changes can assist in lowering your blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy eating plan and keeping within a healthy weight range can result in a decrease in blood pressure.

Exercise plays a role in lowering blood pressure as well as helping to reduce weight. Stress management and the cessation of smoking also play an important role.

Some Doctors ask their patients to purchase a Blood Pressure Monitor that they can use at home as often as they need. In the Doctors surgery, a true reading is not possible due to stress associated with the Doctors visit. What is High Blood Pressure?

What is High Blood Pressure

High Blood pressure is the term used to describe an excessively high level of pressure of blood against artery walls.

High blood pressure can cause the heart muscle to enlarge and the heart to weaken. It also damages the blood vessels, especially if you have raised blood cholesterol, diabetes or smoke cigarettes.

If the blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, a heart attack or stroke may occur. The higher the blood pressure, the higher the risk of both coronary heart disease and stroke.

All adults should have their blood pressure checked regularly by their doctor.

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury. (mmHg). When your heart pumps, pressure is produced in the arteries and moves the blood forward. This is your systolic pressure (top reading). As the heart relaxes it fills again and the pressure reduces. This is your diastolic pressure (bottom reading) Acceptable blood pressure is generally considered as being less than 140 mmHg (systolic) over 90 mmHg (diastolic) - written as 140/90. However, lower levels may be necessary for good health in some adults.

What causes High Blood Pressure

• being overweight
• smoking
• not getting adequate physical activity
• high alcohol intake
• diet high in salt

What can you do to reduce High Blood Pressure

• achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• eat a balanced diet, including fruit, veges and grains.
• consume less salt
• get regular physical activity
• limit your alcohol intake
• stop smoking
• check your general health
• maintain physical activity.

Just get out there in the fresh air and get active. A simple 30 minute walk every day should make a world of difference!

Feel free to come in to Healthpoint Chemist and ask our friendly staff for advice.

Please Note: The advice on this website is to be used as an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace advice from your qualified GP or medical practitioner. Please ensure that you speak to them in relation to all of your health issues.