How to Read a Blood Pressure Monitor for High Blood Pressure

Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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As living standards improve, a blood pressure monitor has become an essential medical device in households. Electronic blood pressure monitors are very convenient for measuring blood pressure, especially for patients with hypertension. They allow patients to measure their blood pressure timely and adjust medication dosages accordingly. How to read a blood pressure monitor varies with different models. Typically, on an electronic blood pressure monitor, the first line displays the systolic pressure, also known as high blood pressure; the second line displays the diastolic pressure, also known as low blood pressure; and the third line displays the heart rate. These readings can help you know your systolic and diastolic pressures.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Normal blood pressure, high blood pressure, and low blood pressure ranges.

Normal adult systolic blood pressure is between 90-139mmHg, and diastolic pressure is between 60-89mmHg. When the systolic pressure exceeds 140mmHg and the diastolic pressure exceeds 90mmHg, this condition is medically referred to as hypertension. When the systolic pressure is below 90mmHg and the diastolic pressure is below 60mmHg, this condition is medically referred to as hypotension. Regardless of whether it is hypertension or hypotension, it often causes symptoms in patients, such as headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Therefore, whether it is hypertension or hypotension, one should visit the hospital's department of cardiology for a formal examination. The doctor will assess the situation on-site to determine if treatment is necessary and how to administer it.

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Written by Chen Tian Hua
Cardiology
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How to prevent high blood pressure

The main methods to prevent hypertension are as follows: 1. Maintain a balanced diet, avoid long-term excessive intake of sodium salt, and make sure to consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement adequate amounts of potassium salt and dietary fiber; 2. Regularly participate in sports and physical labor, maintain an active lifestyle, avoid a sedentary lifestyle, and prevent significant weight gain; 3. Combine work with rest to avoid repeated fatigue and staying up late; work should be flexible, and ensure sufficient sleep at night; 4. Maintain a good mood, avoid frequent emotional fluctuations, and also avoid long-term mental overstrain; 5. Do not smoke and avoid excessive drinking.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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What is the general blood pressure for hypertensive nephropathy?

Hypertension caused by kidney disease is called renal hypertension. The blood pressure of patients with renal hypertension is generally higher than that of those with primary hypertension. However, these patients can exhibit any range of blood pressure types. Their blood pressure might be in stage 1, meaning the systolic pressure is between 140 to 160 mmHg. It could also reach stage 3, where the systolic pressure exceeds 180 mmHg. In cases of heart failure, the patient's blood pressure might even reach 220 or 240 mmHg, though such extreme cases are relatively rare.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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The difference between hypertensive nephropathy and renal hypertension

Hypertensive nephropathy and hypertension due to kidney disease need to be differentiated, as this affects the treatment approach and prognosis assessment differently. Hypertensive nephropathy refers to patients with long-term high blood pressure, which causes arteriosclerosis of small vessels leading to renal pathology. Often, there is also arteriosclerosis in other organs, such as the retinal arteries, which can be confirmed through funduscopic examination. On the other hand, hypertension due to kidney disease occurs when a patient has kidney disease first followed by hypertension, where the causes and types of kidney diseases vary and can frequently lead to hypertension. The difference between the two lies in the sequence of occurrence. Hypertensive nephropathy is characterized by initial high blood pressure and commonly associated with arteriosclerosis in other vessels, which can be preliminarily identified through funduscopic examination. In cases of hypertension due to kidney disease, the patient has other kidney disorders first, followed by hypertension. If a patient's 24-hour urine protein quantification exceeds 2g, it is likely due to kidney disease rather than hypertensive nephropathy. If differentiation remains challenging, kidney biopsy can be performed for further differentiation.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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How is hypertensive nephropathy treated?

Long-term hypertension can lead to abnormal kidney structure and function, also known as hypertensive nephropathy. Once hypertensive nephropathy is diagnosed, comprehensive treatment measures are often adopted, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. In terms of non-pharmacological treatment, patients should maintain a low-salt diet in their daily life, focusing on a light diet, with a daily salt intake of about 4 grams. Regarding pharmacological treatment, the main goal is to control the patient's blood pressure and reduce urinary protein. Medications that can be used include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Any of these medications can be chosen and used long-term to control blood pressure, protect kidney function, and reduce urinary protein. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)