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    Hypertension High Blood Pressure - Feb21

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    Azevedo Ventura
    This document discusses hypertension (high blood pressure) and its impacts on kidney health. It defines hypertension as a blood pressure reading higher than 120/70, and explains that while it has no symptoms, it increases the risks of heart attack and stroke. The document recommends lifestyle changes like losing weight, reducing salt intake, exercising, and reducing stress and alcohol as ways to control blood pressure naturally, and notes medications may also be needed. It provides contact information for kidney care nurses and the renal ward.

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    Hypertension High Blood Pressure - Feb21

    Uploaded by

    Azevedo Ventura
    31 views2 pages
    This document discusses hypertension (high blood pressure) and its impacts on kidney health. It defines hypertension as a blood pressure reading higher than 120/70, and explains that while it has no symptoms, it increases the risks of heart attack and stroke. The document recommends lifestyle changes like losing weight, reducing salt intake, exercising, and reducing stress and alcohol as ways to control blood pressure naturally, and notes medications may also be needed. It provides contact information for kidney care nurses and the renal ward.

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    This document discusses hypertension (high blood pressure) and its impacts on kidney health. It defines hypertension as a blood pressure reading higher than 120/70, and explains that while it has no symptoms, it increases the risks of heart attack and stroke. The document recommends lifestyle changes like losing weight, reducing salt intake, exercising, and reducing stress and alcohol as ways to control blood pressure naturally, and notes medications may also be needed. It provides contact information for kidney care nurses and the renal ward.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    31 views2 pages

    Hypertension High Blood Pressure - Feb21

    Uploaded by

    Azevedo Ventura
    This document discusses hypertension (high blood pressure) and its impacts on kidney health. It defines hypertension as a blood pressure reading higher than 120/70, and explains that while it has no symptoms, it increases the risks of heart attack and stroke. The document recommends lifestyle changes like losing weight, reducing salt intake, exercising, and reducing stress and alcohol as ways to control blood pressure naturally, and notes medications may also be needed. It provides contact information for kidney care nurses and the renal ward.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Hypertension (high blood pressure)

    This leaflet explains what impacts having high blood pressure may have
    upon your kidney health, and what you can do to address it.

    What is blood pressure?


    Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure your heart creates. As it pumps, it contracts
    (systolic) and relaxes (diastolic). In adults, systolic pressure is about 120 and diastolic pressure
    70, written as 120/70. However, just as there is no ‘normal’ height, there is no ‘normal’ blood
    pressure.

    So what is hypertension?
    Hypertension means high blood pressure, i.e. a reading that is higher than considered ‘normal’
    for you. A reading of about 160/90 is usually considered to be high, or even 120/70 in patients
    with kidney problems.

    Who is at risk of having hypertension?


    10-20% of UK adults have hypertension. Men are more at risk and it is more common in older
    adults.

    What causes hypertension?


    Blood pressure rises when there is increased resistance to the heart pumping. Usually, there is
    no obvious cause; this is called ‘essential hypertension’ and seems to run in some families. In
    less than 1 in 20, there is an underlying cause, such as kidney or adrenal disorders. Temporary
    hypertension can occur in pregnancy.

    Is hypertension dangerous?
    Hypertension itself is not dangerous but it makes you more likely to have a heart attack or
    stroke in the future. In a middle-aged man, for example, each rise of 10mm systolic pressure
    increases his risk of a heart attack or stroke by 20%.

    What are the symptoms?


    People with hypertension feel perfectly well. Severe hypertension may cause giddiness,
    breathlessness, visual problems, or headaches.

    Hypertension (high blood pressure), February 2021 1


    Renal / Hypertension (high blood pressure)

    What can be done about it?


    Lifestyle change is important (see below), and may be enough to keep your blood pressure at a
    normal level. Your doctor may also consider drug treatment. You may need to try different sorts
    and doses before you get the right combination for you. They can include:
    • Water tablets (diuretics) – increase the amount of salt that your kidneys remove.
    • Beta-blockers – make the heart beat less strongly. Can cause tiredness. Not suitable for
    asthmatics.
    • ACE inhibitors – relax the blood vessels by reducing the amount of a hormone
    (angiotensin). Side effects are rare, although a kidney blood test is important.
    • Calcium antagonists – relax the blood vessels directly. Side effects can include flushing,
    headaches and swollen ankles.
    • Alpha-blockers – relax blood vessels. They may cause a stuffy nose.

    What can you do to help yourself?


    There are several areas in which you can make changes, in order to help yourself. These are
    known as ‘lifestyle changes’, and should include:
    • Lose weight if you are overweight – and cut your fat intake even if you are not. (Advice
    available from dietician in Renal Clinic)
    • Eat less salt – salt influences your blood pressure.
    • Eat more potassium – found in fresh fruit and vegetables.
    • Take more exercise – try to have a brisk 20-minute walk each day.
    • Reduce the stress in your life. Stress does not cause high blood pressure but can
    aggravate it.
    • Stop smoking. (Advice and support available from your GP.)
    • Reduce your alcohol intake (less than 3 units/day for women and 4 for men).

    Contacting us
    Kidney Care Nurses 0118 322 7899
    Out of hours / Bank holidays – Victoria Renal Ward 0118 322 7476

    To find out more about our Trust visit www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk

    Please ask if you need this information in another language or format.


    Department of Renal Medicine, February 2021
    Next review due: February 2023

    Hypertension (high blood pressure), February 2021 2

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