Fast Facts
What is high blood pressure?
When the top number is over 130 or the bottom number is over 80.
What race is more likely to develop high blood pressure?
African Americans are more likely to develop high blood pressure than other groups.
What kind of diet is recommended to people with high blood pressure?
A low salt diet (also called a low sodium diet).
Who can you talk to at the doctor's office if you need help finding social resources?
A social worker! Social workers can give you information about programs and services that may help you.
How often should you take your blood pressure when creating a log?
You should take your blood pressure at least 2-3 times a week and 2 times a day.
True or False: You should take your blood pressure in the same arm.
True! It is important to take your blood pressure in the same arm to get an accurate blood pressure reading.
True or False: When your blood pressure is high you can feel it.
False! High blood pressure is called a silent killer. Typically people cannot feel if their blood pressure is high.
How much daily exercise should you do to help reduce high blood pressure?
30 minutes of exercise a day! This could be jogging, biking, swimming, or brisk walking.
Where can you get a blood pressure cuff for free?
Free care clinics like Harmony Health Clinic or you can get free readings at some pharmacies.
True or False: If you feel fine, you do not need to take your blood pressure medication.
False! You should take your blood pressure medication exactly like the doctor tells you to.
How does being nervous effect your blood pressure?
Anxiety can cause a person's blood pressure to increase.
How does weight effect your blood pressure?
Obesity can raise your blood pressure! Obesity is when your body mass index (BMI) is over 30. You can use online calculators to find out your BMI. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm.
Name one thing that can help you remember to take your medication everyday.
Use a pill box.
Keep your medications by your toothbrush.
Set an alarm or reminder on your phone.
Where can you get help to stop smoking?
Your doctor! They can prescribe medications to help quit.
Be Well Arkansas! The website has free online resources.
Quitline! 1-800-QUIT-NOW
What is a blood pressure log?
A list of blood pressures with the date and time that it was taken. This can help the doctor understand your typical blood pressure. You can record this by hand or bring your blood pressure cuff (if you have one) to the doctor.
What are 3 substances that can increase your blood pressure?
Stimulants, Alcohol, Tobacco
Can high blood pressure run in families?
Yes! If you have a parent or sibling with high blood pressure, you are 2-4 times more likely to have high blood pressure.
True or False: Quitting smoking can help lower blood pressure.
True! Smoking cessation is one of the most important things you can do to lower your blood pressure.
What phone app can help you compare prices of medications?
GoodRx: It is a free app that can help you compare the prices of meds at different stores. Sometimes the prices are cheaper than the insurance prices.
What common medical condition can lead to high blood pressure?
Diabetes. Diabetes can damage the kidneys and arteries which can lead to high blood pressure.
What are 2 life threatening consequences of high blood pressure?
Stroke, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, or Kidney Failure
Non life-threatening consequences: Vision loss, sexual dysfunction, dementia
What is the most common behavior at BCD that can raise your blood pressure?
Smoking! Smoking can increase your blood pressure by 5-10 points in the top or bottom number.
True or False: Treating a medical problem that causes high blood pressure can also help lower blood pressure.
True! Conditions like sleep apnea, kidney disease, and diabetes can raise blood pressure. Treating these conditions may help lower it.
Where can you see a doctor for free, even if you don't have insurance?
12th Street Clinic
Harmony Health Clinic
Open Hands Clinic
When should you go to the ER for high blood pressure?
If the top number is greater than 180 or if the bottom number is greater than 120!