Understanding Your Numbers: How to Manage Blood Pressure

Introduction

Managing your health starts with understanding your numbers. Blood pressure and blood sugar levels are crucial indicators of your overall well-being. In this newsletter, we'll explore what these numbers mean, how to manage them, and provide tips for a healthier lifestyle.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed with two numbers: systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic (the pressure when your heart rests between beats).

Understanding Blood Pressure Numbers (Systolic and Diastolic)

• Systolic Blood Pressure: This is the top number in a blood pressure reading and indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. A normal systolic reading is typically less than 120 mmHg.
• Diastolic Blood Pressure: This is the bottom number and represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest. A normal diastolic reading is typically less than 80 mmHg.

Blood pressure is classified as follows:

1. Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
2. Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg
3. Hypertension Stage 1: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
4. Hypertension Stage 2: 140 or higher/90 or higher mmHg

High Blood Pressure Risks and Consequences

High blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and vision loss. It often has no symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.”

Tips To Manage High Blood Pressure

1. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
2. Reduce sodium intake: Limit sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day, or ideally 1,500 mg for greater blood pressure reduction.

Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce blood pressure.

Taking Action

• Get tested and track your numbers
• Set goals and create an action plan
• Partner with forcardio, your healthcare provider, to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
• Use forcardio's advanced health monitoring tools to track your numbers and receive real-time insights.
• Work with forcardio to set realistic goals for managing your blood pressure.
• Create a personalized action plan with forcardio's guidance, including dietary changes, exercise routines, and medication adherence if necessary.
• Seeking support from healthcare professionals and loved ones.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Engage with healthcare professionals, nutritionists, or diabetes educators for personalised guidance. Involve family and friends in your health journey to create a supportive environment.

Monitor with forcardio

To effectively manage your blood pressure, consider using the forcardio app. This innovative platform allows you to track your vital signs, monitor your heart health, and share your data with healthcare providers for real-time insights. By leveraging advanced health monitoring tools, forcardio empowers you to take control of your health journey and make informed decisions.

Call to Action

Download the forcardio app today and join a community focused on living healthier. Take the first step towards better heart health by actively participating in your care journey. Visit (www.forcardio.app) to learn more!

Stay well,

The MedTech Africa Team.