1. Janice Herbert-Carter, MD, MGA, FACP Associate Professor of Medical Education

2. What is hypertension? Systolic BP is the pressure in the arteries when the heart pumps Diastolic BP is the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes

3. What is hypertension? ClassificationSystolicDiastolic Normal< 120AND< 80 Prehypertension120 - 139OR80 - 89 Stage 1140 - 159OR90 - 99 Stage 2> 160OR> 100

4. What is hypertension? It is NOT just “stress” You CAN have HIGH blood PRESSURE and “LOW BLOOD” at the same time

5. What is hypertension? How do I know if I have it? You MUST get your BP checked– you can not tell by how you feel Signs and symptoms may be: Headache Nosebleeds Dizziness Chest pain

6. BUT….

7. The most common symptom is NONE AT ALL!!! Hypertension is “The Silent Killer”

8. Consequences of Hypertension Hypertension damages the blood vessels and the heart muscle This leads to: Stroke Heart attacks Kidney failure Heart failure

9. How can I control it? Lifestyle modifications DASH diet/lower salt Exercise/weight loss Limit alcohol, caffeine Don’t smoke Manage stress

10. How can I control it? Medications Diuretics (“fluid” or “water” pills) HCTZ Maxzide Calcium channel blockers Norvasc Cardizem

11. How can I control it? Medications ACE Inhibitors Vasotec Zestril Beta blockers Lopressor Coreg

12. How can I control it? All the medications lower BP Some are especially good (or bad) for certain people ACEIs good for diabetics Beta blockers bad for asthma

13. How can I control it? DO talk to your doctor if you experience unpleasant side effects! DO talk to your doctor is you cannot afford your medicine! DO ask if you may be able to switch to another medicine DO NOT just suffer in silence DO NOT just stop taking your medication

14. High Blood Pressure— Knowledge is Power

15. You are now EMPOWERED!!!