May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. Under American Heart Association guidelines, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure and 75...
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. Under American Heart Association guidelines, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure and 75...
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. Under American Heart Association guidelines, nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure and 75% of those with high blood pressure do not have it controlled. This means there is more work to do to help American adults understand their numbers and risks of this “silent killer.” So what is blood pressure, how does high blood pressure impact your type 2 diabetes, and how can you control hypertension and improve your cardiovascular health?
Blood pressure is the pressure your heart uses to push blood through your blood vessels and around your body. There are two numbers used to describe blood pressure and it’s measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). It’s written like this: 130/80mmHg. And you’ll hear your doctor say '130 over 80'.
The first number is the systolic pressure. This is the most amount of pressure your heart uses when beating to push the blood around your body. The second number is the diastolic pressure. This is the least amount of pressure your heart uses when it is relaxed between beats. Using 130/80mmHg as an example, the systolic pressure here is 130mmHg and the diastolic pressure is 80mmHg.
If your blood pressure is high (called hypertension), you’ll need treatment to bring it down. This is because it puts a strain on your blood vessels and can damage them. This can make it harder for blood to flow around the body and reach all the vital areas it needs to, like your heart. And you’re more at risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Having high blood pressure also puts you more at risk of developing all types of diabetes complications, like serious problems with your feet, your eyes and your kidneys. “Blood pressure should be below 140/80mmHg for people with diabetes... But it is important to speak to your healthcare team about your individual target.” People with diabetes and high blood pressure are more at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. So it's important to know how to look after your blood pressure, says Diabetes U.K.
Try connecting with other diabetics who are focusing on decreasing hypertension in the Winning Type 2 Diabetes Together community on Facebook. Here, you’ll find tips, opportunities to connect, and a sense of belonging. Get the support and information you need by joining our Winning Type 2 Diabetes Together community.