Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure: Mission Possible. What Every Physician Should Know

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Originally published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH Publication No. 04-5266). U.S. government work, public domain. Reproduced as archived reference, not current guidance.

Prevent and Control High Blood Pressure: Mission Possible

What every physician should know

High blood pressure: A force to be reckoned with

Are you aware that up to 50 percent of patients who begin antihypertensive therapy drop out of care within one year? What’s more, 50 percent of those who remain in treatment take less than 80 percent of their medication.

Know your numbers

High blood pressure is called “the silent killer” because there often are no symptoms. Your numbers are often your only warning.

Optimal blood pressure

the pressure of blood in the vessels when the heart beats: systolic pressure

less than High

blood pressure

120/80mmHg

140/90 mmHg or higher

Prehypertension millimeters of mercury

between 120-39 and/or 80-89 mmHg

the pressure between beats when the heart relaxes: Optimal diastolic pressure blood pressure

less than 120/80 mmHg

Enlist in this vital mission to save lives.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Increase patient adherence

Some simple things you can do to increase patient adherence to hypertensive medication:

• Provide simple, easy-to-follow written and oral instructions.
• Tailor instructions so they address patients’ lifestyles, needs, and reasons for non-adherence.
• Address potential for adverse effects and tailor regimens to patients’ concerns and needs.
• Try behavioral strategies, such as reminder systems, cues, self-monitoring, and feedback.

Increase patient knowledge

Talk to your patients about:

• Their blood pressure numbers and what they mean.
• Their risk of heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and kidney failure.
• The increased risks associated with high normal blood pressure.
• The value of even small changes in diet and physical activity in preventing and controlling high blood pressure.

Resources to help your patients

Your Guide to Lowering High Blood Pressure includes information on how to detect, prevent, and treat high blood pressure. Features the DASH diet, which has been shown to prevent and lower high blood pressure, and information specifically for women. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html

Aim for a Healthy Weight includes a BMI calculator, tips for shopping and preparing food, and a menu planner that is designed to guide daily food and meal choices based on 1 day's calorie allowance. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/index.htm

Live Healthier, Live Longer includes interactive materials for people with heart disease and those who want to prevent it. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/chd/index.htm

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute NIH Publication No. 04-5266 National High Blood Pressure Education Program March 2004