Guide to Home Care for High Blood Pressure
1. High blood pressure is a common chronic disease that not only has serious consequences for the health of the patient, but can also cause complications such as cardiovascular diseases and kidneys. Therefore, in addition to receiving specialized treatment in hospitals, home-based care is essential for high blood pressure patients. Good home care helps patients to control blood pressure, reduce complications and improve their quality of life.
1. Choice of sphygmomanometers – It is recommended that electronic sphygmomanometers certified by international standards be selected with more accurate and reliable measurements. In general, the upper arm electronic sphygmomanometers are more suitable for domestic use, operate relatively simple and measure more accurately. – Periodic calibration of sphygmomanometers to ensure accuracy of measurements. Sphygmomanometers can be regularly sent to a professional institution for calibration, based on instructions for sphygmomanometers, or self-calibrated in accordance with the methodology in the instructions. Time and frequency of measurement – Select a fixed time per day to measure blood pressure, e.g., after getting up in the morning, before sleeping at night, etc. Since blood pressure fluctuates in the body during the day, the choice of fixed time measurements allows a better understanding of blood pressure changes. – At the beginning of the monitoring of family blood pressure, it was recommended to measure 2 – 3 times a day for 7 consecutive days. The number of measurements can then be gradually reduced, depending on the stability of blood pressure, at least 2 – 3 times a week. Measurement methods – Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, coffee or tea, avoiding intense physical activity and maintaining emotional stability within 30 minutes of the measurement. – Sitting on comfortable chairs, flat feet on the floor, straight back, relaxing arms. The cuffband of the sphygmomanometer is tied to the upper arm, with the lower edge of the cuffbelt at a distance of 2 – 3 cm from the elbow nest, and the looseness of the cuffbelt is appropriate to insert a finger. – Press the sphygmomanometer start button and start measuring blood pressure. During the measurement, keep quiet and do not speak or move your arms. Upon completion of the measurements, blood pressure values and measurement time are recorded. Data recording and analysis – A special notebook or mobile phone APP is prepared to record the blood pressure values, time of measurement, pre-measure activity, etc. for each measurement. This makes it easier for doctors to understand changes in blood pressure of patients and provides a basis for adjusting treatment programmes. – Periodically analyse blood pressure data and, if it is found to be highly volatile or increasing, inform the doctor in a timely manner in order to adjust the treatment programme.
1. Control of salt intake – salt intake is closely related to blood pressure, which should be strictly controlled by patients with high blood pressure. It is recommended that salt intake do not exceed 5 grams per day. – Reduced consumption of salty foods such as pickles, pickles, salted fish, ham, etc. In cooking, low sodium salt or other spices can be used in lieu of salt to increase food taste. 2. Increased potassium consumption – Potassium contributes to sodium excretion and helps to reduce blood pressure. Patients with high blood pressure can eat more potassium-rich foods such as bananas, potatoes, spinach, celery, purple, etc. – Vegetables and fruit can be made into salad or juice, increasing the intake of potassium. It should be noted, however, that the juice contains a certain amount of sugar which is inappropriate for overdrinking. Control of fat intake – Reduced intake of animal fat such as pig oil, butter, goat oil, etc. Vegetable oils, such as olive oils, maize oils, sunflowerseed oils, etc., can be selected, and are rich in unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial to cardiovascular health. – Control of meat intake, particularly fatty and animal internals. Food with high-quality proteins, such as skinny meat, fish and beans, can be selected. 4. Increased intake of dietary fibres – Dietary fibres can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar and help control blood pressure. High blood pressure patients can eat more of their diets rich in fibres, such as wheat bread, rough rice, oats, vegetables, fruit, etc. – The diet needs to be fine-tuned to avoid over-meal food. Coarse grains and fine grains can be fed together, for example, with rough rice and oats in rice.
1. Selecting the appropriate mode of movement – aerobics: such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, yoga, etc., which can enhance CPR function and reduce blood pressure. – Power training: for example, weight lifting, push-ups, sit-ups, etc., can enhance muscle strength, but be careful to choose the right weight and strength and avoid overwork. – Resilient training: extended exercise, yoga, etc. can increase the flexibility of joints and prevent muscle pull. Control the strength and time of the movement – the strength of the movement must be moderate and the excess movement avoided. Suitable motor strength can be selected according to their physical condition and mobility. In general, the heart rate at the time of sports should be kept at around 60 – 70% of the maximum heart rate, which is = 220 – age. – Sports time has to be increased, and when it starts, it can move 10 – 15 minutes per day, increasing to 30 – 60 minutes per day. At least three or five times a week. 3. Attention to physical safety – Before moving, prepare to warm up, e.g., motion joints, muscle stretches, etc., to avoid physical damage. – In the course of the exercise, the exercise should be stopped immediately and medical treatment should be provided in a timely manner in the event of vertebrate, panic, air condition, etc. – Relaxation activities after exercise, such as walking, massages, etc., to promote blood circulation and ease muscle fatigue.
1. Maintain a good mindset – patients with high blood pressure have to be optimistic, open and free from emotional disturbances, stress, anxiety, etc. Pressure can be eased and emotions eased by listening to music, reading, tourism, etc. – Families must give their patients care and support and help them to build confidence in overcoming the disease. Learning to deal with stress – Pressure in life is one of the important factors leading to increased blood pressure, and patients with hypertension learn to deal with stress. It can relax and reduce stress through deep breath, meditation, yoga, etc. – Rationalizing work and life and avoiding overwork. Ensuring adequate sleep, with a minimum of 7 – 8 hours per day.
1. Timely taking medication – patients with hypertension are required to do so in strict compliance with the doctor ‘ s orders, and no increase in the amount of drugs or withdrawals may be authorized. If the drug is forgotten, it should be replenished in a timely manner, but if it is closer to the next one, it should not be replaced to avoid overdose. – It is possible to set up alarms or to use tools such as medical kits to remind itself to take their medication on time. 2. Attention to the side effects of drugs – Different depressive drugs may have different side effects, such as dizziness, inactivity, nausea, vomiting, etc. If the patient suffers from symptoms of discomfort during the treatment, the doctor should be informed in a timely manner in order to adjust the treatment. – Periodic review of indicators such as liver function, kidney function, etc. to understand the effects of drugs on the body.
1. High blood pressure risk – If the patient ‘ s blood pressure suddenly rises and is accompanied by headaches, irritation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, heart attack, etc., it may have occurred. – Patients should be placed in bed without delay, be quiet and avoid stress and anxiety. At the same time, the emergency telephone was immediately called and the doctor was waiting for help. Low blood pressure – Low blood pressure may have occurred if the patient had symptoms of dizziness, inactivity, panic, etc. after taking the medication. – Patients should be allowed to lay down immediately, lift their lower limbs and increase their blood flow. If the symptoms are light, the symptoms can be mitigated by drinking some sugar or eating food such as cookies. If the symptoms are serious, immediate medical attention is required.
High blood pressure home care is a long-term process that requires a concerted effort by patients and their families. Through integrated management of day-to-day monitoring, dietary care, sports care, psychological care, medication, etc., blood pressure can be effectively controlled, complications can be reduced and the quality of life of patients improved. At the same time, in case of an emergency, appropriate measures should be taken in a timely manner to ensure the safety of the patient.
High blood pressure.
