High Blood Pressure Diabetes

An important part of taking care of yourself is keeping your blood pressure controlled. If your blood pressure is left uncontrolled it can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, eye problems, and kidney disease. Almost 2/3 of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure. You may also hear your doctor or pharmacist say the word Hypertension; this is just another way of saying High Blood Pressure.

What is High Blood Pressure?

• Blood pressure is the force of blood through your blood vessels. When this pressure gets too high it is considered High Blood Pressure.
• You will probably hear numbers when someone is talking about blood pressure, like 130/80.
• The first, or top number, is the pressure when your heart beats and forces blood through the blood vessels. This is also called your "systolic" pressure.
• The second, or bottom number, is the pressure in the blood vessels between heartbeats. It is also called your "diastolic" pressure.

What should my Blood Pressure be?

• If you have diabetes, your blood pressure should be less than 130/80. Your doctor may tell you that your blood pressure should be even lower if you have other health problems.
• By keeping your blood pressure below 130/80 you will decrease your risk of heart attack, stroke, eye, and kidney disease.

What causes High Blood Pressure?

• Most people with high blood pressure do not have an identifiable cause. Lifestyle and family history are related to high blood pressure, but sometimes it just happens.
• So, How do I know if I have High Blood Pressure?
• High blood pressure is not something you can feel. You won't know you have high blood pressure until your healthcare provider checks your blood pressure.
• Your blood pressure should be checked at each office visit.
• Even though you can't feel High Blood Pressure it is important to keep it under control.

What can be done to control my blood pressure?

• Making healthy food choices and getting exercise can help lower your blood pressure.
• Loosing only 5% of your body weight can help your blood pressure and diabetes.
• Limiting your intake of alcohol is also important in controlling both your high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Quit smoking! Your healthcare provider can talk to you about ways to help you quit. It is difficult, but not impossible, and quitting will make a huge impact on improving your health.
• Many people with high blood pressure will take medications to help control it, but not everyone takes the same medication. Your doctor or pharmacist will help decide which medication may be right for you.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should take an aspirin a day. This is not for everyone but can reduce certain risk factors for many patients with high blood pressure or diabetes.