Managing High Blood Pressure: A Primary Care Guide for West Ashley

Claire: Thanks for joining us. You're listening to Between Visits, sponsored by Hope Health Network, a network of medical practices serving South Carolina. We dig into the medical and mental health topics that matter most to patients and the public.

Claire: I'm Claire, and this is episode 69. I'm going to quickly play our disclaimers, and then we'll get started!

Recorded disclaimer: This show is for entertainment, education and general information only. It's not medical advice, and listening doesn't make you a patient. Our hosts and guests are not real people, medical doctors or healthcare providers. We do our best, but we can be wrong, and our content can have errors and omissions. Talk with a licensed medical provider in your state before you make any decisions about your health or medical care.

Claire: In an emergency, call 911. In a crisis, call or text 988.

Claire: Joining me today is Owen, from our digital entertainment team. Welcome, Owen!

Owen: Good to be here, Claire. How's your week going?

Claire: Busy, but good. I finally cleared my whole to-do list, which never happens.

Owen: Well, don't tell anybody, or they'll hand you a longer one.

Claire: Today we're talking about Managing High Blood Pressure: A Primary Care Guide for West Ashley. Well, we're excited to get your thoughts on this important topic, Owen. Let's get started. Why does it matter?

Owen: Well, here's the thing. Regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing, often lowers the systolic number by about 5 to 8 points.

Claire: Last question on this. What do the two numbers in a blood pressure reading mean?

Owen: Yes, let's talk about it. A reading is written like 128/82. The first number, called systolic, is the pressure while the heart beats. The second, called diastolic, is the pressure while the heart rests between beats.

Claire: Okay. That's clear.

Claire: That makes sense. So let me ask you this. What blood pressure counts as normal?

Owen: Normal is a systolic number less than 120 and a diastolic number less than 80. When the systolic number stays at 130 or more, or the diastolic number stays at 80 or more, over several visits, it is treated as high blood pressure.

Claire: Got it. That's really helpful.

Claire: Okay, here's one I hear a lot. How much can exercise lower blood pressure?

Owen: Right, good one. Regular aerobic exercise is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure, often by about 5 to 8 points on the systolic number. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as 30 minutes on 5 days, if you can tolerate it.

Claire: Huh. I think a lot of people don't realize that.

Claire: Interesting. Let's dig into that a little. What kind of home blood pressure cuff should I use?

Owen: Sure. Use an upper-arm cuff that fits. Wrist and finger devices are less reliable.

Claire: Okay, that's good to know.

Claire: Next up, and I'm curious about this one. How do I get ready for a home reading?

Owen: I'm glad you asked. Skip caffeine, exercise and smoking for 30 minutes before. Then sit quietly for 5 minutes with your feet flat, your back supported and your arm at heart level.

Claire: Right. That makes a lot of sense.

Claire: People ask this all the time. How many home readings should I take?

Owen: So, here's what we know. Take 2 readings a minute apart, in the morning and the evening, and write both down. Bring the log, or a photo of it, to every visit.

Claire: Good to know. Thank you.

Claire: Alright, another one for you. What should I bring to a blood pressure visit?

Owen: Okay. Bring your home log with both readings from each morning and evening, the cuff you use at home and a list of everything you take. Hope Medical Associates sees adults at its West Ashley office on Gardner Road.

Claire: I like that. It's practical.

Claire: So before we wrap up, Owen, if people remember just a few things from today, what should they be?

Owen: I'd start here. High blood pressure may not cause any symptoms in the early stages, which is why it is known as the silent killer.

Claire: Okay, good. What else?

Owen: Then, I'd say this. Normal is a systolic number below 120 and a diastolic number below 80; a systolic number that stays at 130 or more, or a diastolic number that stays at 80 or more, over several visits is treated as high blood pressure.

Claire: Right. And one more?

Owen: And the last one. One high reading can be a one-off caused by stress, caffeine, pain or being in a medical office, so repeat readings at the office and at home matter.

Claire: Love it. Thanks so much, Owen.

Owen: Thank you, Claire. This was fun.

Claire: Between Visits comes from Hope Health Network Media and is sponsored by Hope Health Network. Today's episode is shared by Hope Medical Associates. Its office is in West Ashley, in Charleston.

Claire: One last reminder. This show is for entertainment, education and general information only. It's not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911. In a crisis, call or text 988.

Claire: You've been listening to episode 69 of Between Visits, Managing High Blood Pressure: A Primary Care Guide for West Ashley. Thanks for hanging out with us. See you next time!