Past Feature Article

Blood Pressure: Why Should I be Concerned?

By: Emily DeVault, Pharm.D.
Rite Aid Community Pharmacy Practice Resident

Living with diabetes can bring enough of its own concerns and changes to your lifestyle; why should you add hypertension (high blood pressure) to your list? Approximately 73% of people with diabetes also suffer from high blood pressure. High blood pressure is considered one of the risk factors for developing several of the complications of diabetes, including diabetic eye disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries in the legs and feet, heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Being concerned about high blood pressure is good, because there are steps you can take to prevent it.

If blood pressure is so important, how do I know if there is a problem?

If your blood pressure is high, generally you will have no symptoms, so it is very important that you have your blood pressure checked each time you see your doctor, or two to four times each year according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Record these levels in your blood glucose log so that you can also keep track of how controlled your blood pressure is from visit to visit.

Many patients will also check their blood pressure at home using an automatic blood pressure machine. If you currently have high blood pressure, you may want to talk with your doctor about monitoring at home. Your Rite Aid pharmacist can show you how to check your blood pressure.

What is my goal blood pressure?

Blood pressure readings will vary depending on the patient, however the American Diabetes Association recommends that patients with diabetes aim for a goal blood pressure of less than 130/80. Having a blood pressure in this range will help decrease your risk of the long term complications associated with diabetes.

I do not have high blood pressure. How can I prevent it?

You can take steps today to help prevent your blood pressure from becoming too high. First, stop smoking. Smoking puts you at an increased risk for high blood pressure. If you are interested in quitting smoking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the options available to you. Also, developing a healthy way of eating can help prevent problems in the future. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, and fiber into your daily eating habits, as well as limiting fat, cholesterol, and salt will be beneficial. You may try adding other spices to your meals in place of salt. See the links below for helpful cooking tips. Exercise is also very important to remaining healthy. The ADA recommends exercising 30 minutes on most days of the week; however everyone exercises at different levels, so check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program to identify safe exercises for you.

I already have high blood pressure. How can I manage it?

Your doctor will help you manage your high blood pressure. Everyone will require different treatments and it is important to listen to your doctor’s advice. Most of the time blood pressure is treated with medications; however it is still important to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and quit smoking.

There are several different kinds of medication that can be used to treat high blood pressure. One frequently used class of medications for patients with diabetes and high blood pressure is called ACE Inhibitors. This class of medication is beneficial for the prevention of kidney disease. Many times treating blood pressure will require more than one medication. Other medications used to treat high blood pressure include: diuretics, ARBs, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Ask your pharmacist about the medications that you are taking and if one of them is an ACE inhibitor.

Remember, take care of yourself!

It is very important that you take care of yourself today to prevent complications later. Take steps to decrease your risk of high blood pressure. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether your current blood pressure medication is the best one for you. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you create an appropriate diet, exercise, and medication regimen that will help you control your blood pressure and diabetes. Changes can not happen overnight, so be patient. The long-term benefits are worth it! Use the resources that you have available to you and look for support in your family and friends. Always talk with your Rite Aid pharmacist. They are a great source of information and can help you with answers to your health questions.

Making Healthy Food Choices (ADA website)
http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/nutrition/
healthyfoodchoices.jsp

Sodium and Your Blood Pressure (ADA website)
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-cholesterol/
faqs-sodium.jsp