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Week 3 Blood Pressure Measurement

The document outlines a lecture on blood pressure measurement, covering definitions, types, risks, and public health importance. It discusses factors influencing blood pressure, complications of hypertension, and treatment options including lifestyle changes and medications. The document also emphasizes the significance of monitoring blood pressure in different age groups and provides guidance on when and how blood pressure should be checked.

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20 views21 pages

Week 3 Blood Pressure Measurement

The document outlines a lecture on blood pressure measurement, covering definitions, types, risks, and public health importance. It discusses factors influencing blood pressure, complications of hypertension, and treatment options including lifestyle changes and medications. The document also emphasizes the significance of monitoring blood pressure in different age groups and provides guidance on when and how blood pressure should be checked.

Uploaded by

tahmeedhossain2005
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Week 3 Blood Pressure Measurement

Instructor:
Nusrat E Mozid, MD, MPH
Department of Public Health
School of Health and Life Sciences
North South University

March 24, 2025


Agenda

• Lecture 3: Blood Pressure Measurement


Blood Pressure (BP)
& The Circulatory System
Content
• What is blood pressure?

• What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

• What is hypertension and hypotension?

• What are the ranges of blood pressure?

• What factor influences blood pressure?

• Public health importance of blood pressure measurement.


Why blood pressure fluctuates?

Your blood pressure does not stay the same at all times. It changes based
on what you are doing. When you are exercising or excited, your blood
pressure goes up. When you are resting, your blood pressure is lower.

Your blood pressure can also change because of your:

⮚ Age
⮚ Medications you take
⮚ Changes in position
Complications of Hypertension
⮚ High blood pressure — the “silent killer” — usually has no symptoms.

⮚ High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

⮚ Without treatment, high blood pressure can cause:

1) Transient ischemic attack (TIA)


2) Stroke
3) Heart attack
4) Enlarged heart
5) Heart failure
6) Aneurysms
7) Kidney disease
8) Broken blood vessels in your eyes
9) Sexual dysfunction
Who is at risk of getting high blood pressure?

1) Have a family history of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or


diabetes
2) Race: black
3) Age: 60 years or older
4) Have high cholesterol
5) Use oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
6) Have obesity
7) Have diabetes
8) Use tobacco products
9) Do not exercise
10)Eat foods that are high in salt
When is blood pressure checked?

⮚ A healthcare provider should check your blood pressure at every annual


checkup if your blood pressure is normal.

⮚ If your blood pressure readings are high at your appointments, your


provider may ask you to check your blood pressure at home anywhere
from several times a day to once a week.

⮚ Your provider may ask you to wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours.

⮚ The monitor is usually set to take blood pressure every 15 to 30 minutes


while you do your normal activities.
What treatments are available for patients with high BP?

1. Diet and lifestyle changes:


a) Reach and stay at your ideal body weight
b) Get regular exercise
c) Eat a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet that is low in salt, fat and
cholesterol, and contains lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Your diet is an
important part of managing your blood pressure.
d) Having no more than two drinks containing alcohol per day
e) Manage stress and anger
f) Avoid all tobacco and nicotine products

2. Medications and follow-up care: Take all medications as prescribed. Do


not stop or start taking any medication without talking to your doctor.
Which blood pressure number is more important?

⮚ For older adults: The systolic pressure (top number) is often more
important to monitor because older adults tend to have stiffer arteries, leading
to higher systolic values. High systolic pressure can increase the risk of heart
disease and stroke. Ideally, the systolic number should be under 130 mmHg,
though doctors may adjust targets based on individual health factors.

⮚ For younger adults: Both systolic and diastolic pressure are important, but
diastolic pressure is often more of a concern when you’re younger. Ideal blood
pressure is usually around 120/80 mmHg. High diastolic pressure in younger
adults can be an early indicator of future cardiovascular problems.

⮚ For children: For kids, both the systolic and diastolic numbers are important,
but the range will depend on the factors (e.g., age, gender, and height).
Public Health Application
Practice session
Let’s measure our Blood Pressure!

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