Controlling High Blood Pressure: A Woman's Guide - Pamphlet

Pamphlet by: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Sept, 1999

Why? There are various causes. Some women may not take their drugs as prescribed--in the right amount and at the right times. For others, a drug may not lower blood pressure enough. To prevent stroke, heart attack, or heart failure, blood pressure must be controlled to below 140/90.

So make sure you're in control of your high blood pressure, Talk with your doctor. Ask about your blood pressure level. If it is too high, ask about adjusting your drug and making lifestyle changes that will bring your blood pressure to below 140/90.

Blood Pressure Categories for Adults(*)

Category                    Systolic(**)           Diastolic(**)

Normal                         < 130                    < 85
High Normal                   130-139                  85-89
High Blood Pressure
  Stage 1                     140-159                  90-99
  Stage 2                     160-179                 100-109
  Stage 3                     180-206                 110-119
  Stage 4               [is greater than or     [is greater than or
                            equal to] 210          equal to] 120

Key: < means less than, [is greater than or equal to] means equal to or more than

(*) These categories r those 18 and older are from the National High Blood Pressure Education Program. The categories are for those not on a high blood pressure drug and with no short-term serious illness.

(**) If your systolic and diastolic pressures fall into different categories, your overall status is the higher category.

About Smoking

If you smoke, stop.

Smoking usually does not affect blood pressure. But quitting is the most important step you can take for your health. Ask your doctor for advice on how to quit.

If You Have Diabetes

In diabetes mellitus, the body does not use sugar as it should. It gets sugar when it changes food into glucose, a form of sugar. Two main types of diabetes are non-insulin-dependent (NIDDM) and insulin-dependent (IDDM).

NIDDM accounts for 90-95 percent of diabetes. It usually develops after age 40. About 80 percent of those with NIDDM are overweight. NIDDM often can be controlled through diet and exercise, but sometimes insulin and/or a pill are needed, IDDM is controlled by diet and exercise and taking insulin.

Diabetes is a chronic condition. If you have it, you're more likely to have certain health problems than women without it, You're 2 to 4 times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, and 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke, As many as 65 percent of those with diabetes have high blood pressure.

Hold the Salt

Here are some tips to help you cut back on salt and sodium:

* Add less salt at the table and in cooking. Try reducing the amount a little at a time until you use none.

* Season with black or green pepper, garlic, ginger, minced onion, or lemon juice.

* Use fewer prepared sauces, mixes, and "instant" products, such as flavored rices, pasta, and cereals. These usually have salt added.

* Use vegetables that are fresh, frozen, or canned without added salt.