General Knowledge
True or false - the reading when your heart is at rest is known as the diastolic number
False
Explain why it is helpful to take an ACE or ARB, which relax the blood vessels
True or false - increasing level of exercise can help with lowering your blood pressure
True
156/90
Red category - Stage 2 Hypertension
Similar to a bulge in a balloon - caused by weakening of arterial walls. Can occur in several areas of the body
Aneurysm
Hypertension is known as the silent ________.
Killer
What type of medication would be prescribed if there is excessive fluid noted?
Diuretic
True or false - Knowledge about your baseline blood pressure is important.
True
125/79
Yellow category - elevated
Symptoms - decreased to no urine output, trouble concentrating, numbness/swelling of extremities, itchy or dry skin, muscle aches and cramps
Kidney failure
Defined as the amount of force your heart has to exert to pump blood into your arteries
Blood pressure reading
Which type of blood pressure medications can be used for kidney protection
Why is it important to know family medical history?
Many chronic diseases are hereditary, including hypertension
130/78
Orange - Hypertension stage 1
Defined as chest pain - defined as crushing or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, abdominal pain, anxiety, feeling of "impending doom".
Heart attack
Name 3 symptoms you may experience with high blood pressure
Any combination of:
Headache, chest pain, nausea/vomiting, change in vision, anxiety, buzzing in ears, abnormal heart rhythm
Name a diuretic medication
Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide, Bumetanide
Reducing _____ and increasing _____ and ______ in your diet can help decrease blood pressure
Salt. Fruits and Vegetables
179/122
Maroon - Hypertensive crisis
Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling of legs, fatigue, rapid heart rate
Heart failure
If being treated for hypertension, why is it important to have regular follow up appointments with your prescriber?
To ensure blood pressure is well controlled, not getting more elevated or too low. Also to have labs checked to ensure you are tolerating medications well.
What is the function of Calcium Channel Blockers?
To block calcium from entering arteries. Calcium in the arteries makes the heart work harder to pump blood
Taking medications as prescribed is important to overall health. Name 2 ways that you can use as a reminder to take medications
Set up pill minder, place medications by sink and toothbrush for morning and evening reminders, set timer on phone
119/81
Orange - Stage 1 hypertension
Defined as sudden weakness or numbness of extremities. Alteration in speech, uneven smile, loss of balance or coordination. Medical emergency
Stroke