Blood Pressure – What is normal?

basic_blood_pressure_chart

  • Your “ideal” Blood Pressure (BP) is below 120/80.

  • Doctors in the UK try to treat all patients to achieve a Blood Pressure under 140/90.

  • In patients over 80 years of age the upper limit is 150/90, because there are larger variations throughout the day and too low a BP can cause falls.

  • It is better to take your BP tablets at night.

    Click here to download your BP monitoring chart

NICE, the national institute for clinical excellence supports patients checking their own blood pressure. Studies show patients do much better when they are “in control” of their own blood pressure rather than being (not so) blissfully unaware and letting doctors and nurses get on with it. Thus, please purchase your own equipment as soon as you can. Click here for a NICE approved BP chart. Fill it out with your readings and drop it to your GP. Be aware that average readings are what counts. Occasional peaks or troughs are normal and can be influenced by a lot of things.

High Blood Pressure (BP) – 12 point Self Care Action Plan

  1. Firstly, take it seriously. Blood pressure (BP) is called the “silent killer”. It is the major cause of heart attacks and strokes.
  2. Secondly, invest in Blood Pressure Equipment[1] and take control of your condition. Your average BP should be under 140/90 (140/80 for Diabetics) and ideally 120/80 or less.
  3. The best information comes from measuring your BP twice a day. 2 readings each time. 2 minutes apart. Please do this for a week and take the average reading each time. Average out the 14 readings and you get a reliable average blood pressure. Let your doctor have those readings for their notes. Find a sheet below for filling out and returning to your doctor / nurse.
  4. Ensure your BP is treated and be persistent in attending with your doctor or nurse to adjust your medications until it is as low as described above.
  5. Start exercising. Cardiovascular = sweat producing exercise. Three times a week for 45 minutes or 5 times a week for 30 minutes. And you will find your BP will drop by 10-15. I recommend the BBC couch to 5K programme for people able to run. There are plenty other options, too.
  6. Should your BP get too low you may need to stop a medication. This would be the case if you feel dizzy. Check your BP from time to time
  7. Reduce Salt in your diet, do not use any additional salt and choose foods low in salt.
  8. Try to loose weight. Slimming and a diet low in Cholesterol will further reduce your risks. Ask our social prescriber at the surgery for local weight support options.
  9. A Mediterranean diet is ideal. It also helps arthritis and aching joints. For more information look here https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/anti_inflammatory
  10. Remove Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils = Trans fats from your diet. Check all the packs of any pre-prepared food you buy. It’s in everything. From chocolate to Peanut butter to cakes to Pasta Sauces. Cook from fresh. Don’t buy ready made products.
  11. Stop smoking and drink sensibly. Help is available for both.
  12. Stress is a huge risk factor for BP. Read about mindfulness. There are many books. Find the one that suits you. One that may be useful is “Mindfulness – a practical guide” Finding peace in a frantic world by Mark Williams and Danny Penman, but others are equally good and may be more useful as there are different life situations for different people. Try to eliminate stresses from your life if you can. Enjoy life more. Relax.

Dr M Kittel, 2017

Please be aware certain medications can also increase your blood pressure. They include e.g. steroids like Prednisolone or Asthma inhalers, non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and nasal decongestants

[1] Arm monitors are thought to be more accurate than wrist monitors. Also ensure the cuff is not too small as your BP will read too high or too small as your BP will read too low. Your pharmacist can advise.