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High Blood Pressure

  Click here for some tips for Care Partners

TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES

It is normal for blood pressure to go up and down somewhat during the day. Occasional high blood pressure levels can be caused by taking blood pressure medicine differently than usual, being sick or under stress, or taking over-the-counter medicines that raise blood pressure. For some people, eating salty food or drinking alcohol raises their blood pressure. Ask your healthcare professional for your blood pressure goal.

  • If you continue to have BP readings that are above your goal, either on the top or on the bottom, contact your healthcare professional.

  • If you are taking medications for blood pressure, your healthcare professional may recommend that you check your blood pressure regularly.

  • If your blood pressure is high, you may not feel symptoms. A home monitor is one way to keep track of whether your blood pressure is controlled.

WHEN TO SEEK URGENT MEDICAL CARE 

  • If you take a blood pressure reading and the top number is higher than 180 and does not come down after relaxing.

  • If you take a blood pressure reading and the bottom number is higher than 100 and does not come down after relaxing.

  • If you have any unusual blood pressure results or any symptoms of heart strain or stroke, such as:

    • chest pain or pressure

    • shortness of breath

    • weakness on one side

    • sudden trouble seeing, speaking or understanding

    • sudden, severe headache

 

  HOW CARE PARTNERS CAN HELP

  • Remember that your partner's high blood pressure levels are higher than usual diabetes targets. If blood pressures are at this level regularly, your partner may be at higher risk of diabetes complications, such as kidney disease or stroke. High blood pressure can be caused by taking blood pressure medicine differently than usual, being sick or under stress, or taking over-the-counter medicines that raise blood pressure. For some people, eating salty food raises their blood pressure.

  • Suggest that they consider checking their blood pressure at the same time of day every time they check it.  For instance, they could check it just before the evening meal. This way, they will get into the habit of checking it regularly. They also should write down their blood pressure levels, so they, you, and their doctors can identify any issues that come up.

  • If your partner is taking their prescribed blood pressure medications regularly and their blood pressure is still high, recommend they call their healthcare professional to ask whether their blood pressure medication needs to be adjusted.

  • Even if your partner doesn't feel bad when his/her blood pressure is high, the high pressure can lead to health issues down the road.

  • Help your partner think of ways to lower the amount of salt or sodium in their diet.

  • If this issue is coming up repeatedly, your partner may want to discuss with it their healthcare professional.