Hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent risk factor for coronary artery disease (heart attack) and stroke. So good control of BP is essential in a patient with Diabetes mellitus. This can be done by taking oral drugs, salt restriction, HBPM, controlling blood cholesterol and regular exercise.
In some families, high BP can be seen in young patients. Also young persons can develop stroke irregular by follow up and drug withdrawal.. so regular monitoring of BP is the need of hour to avoid stroke and related complications.
High blood pressure causes chest pain, breathlessness on exertion, fatigue, syncope, palpitation, vertigo, vomiting, headache and even encephalopathy. Normal BP is 120/80 or 130/80. Stage 1 BP- 140/90. Stage 2 BP is 150/100 and stage 3 is 160/110. Our aim is to bring down BP to 130/80. Low BP is below 90/60. In some women 90/60 is normal BP. Supine position ,salt intake ,drugs, and exercise will help to improve BP.
There are a lot of drugs available for control of BP. Guidelines suggest if not controlled by one group, add another group that cause control 5 times better. If not controlled by two groups add a drug from third group. Before starting the drug check BP in all 4 limbs 5 mts apart. Also look for other causes of secondary hypertension. Often there is diurnal variation of BP. Better to check BP at home after a coffee or tea , after emptying bladder and sitting with back rest, and BP apparatus and heart should be at same level. Always use a proper tight fitting cuff, also have a good sleep of 6 to 8 hours.
There is also dipping of blood pressure during night and also early morning surge. So most of the stroke happens during early morning hours. So don’t skip BP medicines ,also if BP is high during evening have another dose for control of BP. Regular check up and adjust dose of BP medicines from your family physician is important.
certain points to remember for better control of BP.
- Salt restriction (use salt 1 to 2 gm per day)2. Regular exercise, 20 to 30 mts per day. 3. Regular intake of 💊. 4. Frequent check up at clinic. 5. Don’t stop drugs .6. Avoid stress and good sleep. 7. And last but not the least, HBPM. 💔