Brennans Pharmacies: Understanding High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

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Hi everyone! We’ve all heard about high blood pressure, and many of us might be affected by it.

With all the stresses of modern living it’s important for us all to keep our blood pressure under control, especially as we get older. Did you know that 64% of people over 50 years old in Ireland have high blood pressure – which is a leading cause of stroke, heart disease and heart attacks? The Irish Heart Foundation describe it as the ‘silent killer’ that affects almost one million people in Ireland.

Recent research has shown that only half of people with high blood pressure are actually aware that they have the condition. The IHF therefore advise all adults over the age of 30 to have their blood pressure checked at least once a year.

Clink on the link below to watch Fergus Brennan, on Brennans Pharmacies, talk briefly about Blood Pressure:

What exactly Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It’s measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and shown as two numbers. For example, if your blood pressure is 150/95 mm Hg, we say ‘150 over 95’.

• The first number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure when your heart beats.
• The second number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

You are diagnosed as having high blood pressure when your readings are 140/90 mm Hg or higher. This means your blood pressure stays at this level consistently. It can show up as:

• High systolic pressure, like 170/70 mm Hg.
• High diastolic pressure, like 120/104 mm Hg.
• Both systolic and diastolic high, like 170/110 mm Hg.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

A single high reading does not mean you have high blood pressure. Your blood pressure can change through the day, and it might be high if you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or even tired and overworked.

You are diagnosed with hypertension if you have several high readings taken at different times while you are relaxed.

Who Should Check Their Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so you can’t tell if you have it without a check. Everyone over 30 should have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. More frequent checks (at least once a year) are important for:

• Older adults
• Those with previous high readings
• Those with family history of hypertension
• People who are overweight with a BMI of 25 or higher
• People with diabetes

Why Is Hypertension a Concern?

High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems in the future. Over time, it can harm your arteries and strain your heart. Generally, untreated higher blood pressure means a higher risk to your long-term health.

6 ways to reduce your blood pressure

1. Know your own numbers ! Get your blood pressure checked and track your number. A healthy blood pressure is 120/80.

2. Regular physical exercise: Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity every day. This can help lower your blood pressure and provide other health benefits.
3. Keep to a healthy weight: For some people, losing weight is all they need to do to get their blood pressure down to a normal level.
4. Eat a healthy balanced diet: Add more vegetables and fruit to your diet and cut down on salt consumption. Limit salt intake to a maximum of 5-6 grams per day (most people eat more than this).

5. If you drink alcohol, stick within the recommended limits. Too much alcohol can raise blood pressure. Men should limit to 21 units per week, and women to 14 units, spreading drinks out over the week and having at least two alcohol-free days.
6. If you’re on medication, always take your medicines as prescribed. Don’t stop taking your medication without consulting with your GP first.

When Is Medication Needed for High Blood Pressure?

Medication may be needed if:

• Your blood pressure stays 160/100 mm Hg or higher, even after trying lifestyle changes.
• Your reading is 140/90 mm Hg or above along with having diabetes, heart disease, or certain other health conditions.

If you’re worried about your blood pressure or want more information about this or any other health issue, call in to your local Brennans pharmacy where our pharmacists will be happy to help.. We can offer you a complimentary blood

pressure check and advice on diet and lifestyle, usually without appointment. If your G.P. or cardiologist has requested that you wear a 24 hour blood pressure monitor for a more comprehensive health check, we offer this service in Brennans Pharmacy Letterkenny and Creeslough. Just pop in or call us for further details.

Thank You!

Get in touch

All Brennan’s pharmacists, technicians, front of shop supervisors and pharmacy assistants are always happy to look after you and your family’s healthcare needs.. whether you call instore or visit Brennans online

Brennans also have a handy pharmacy app for easy prescription ordering which can be found by searching for ‘Brennans Pharmacy’ on the App store or Google Play.

Brennans offer online pharmacy shopping for delivery or ‘click and collect’ from their website brennanspharmacy.com.  Delivery is free nationwide when you spend over €40 online, or alternatively you can choose convenient free collection of your order  at one of the 4 pharmacies (Donegal – Buncrana, Clonmany or Creeslough or Dublin – Glenageary). 

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