High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is the silent killer. This condition usually has no warning signs and can slowly damage the body for years before a patient will start to experience symptoms. Hypertension can damage a person’s arteries by making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart.
It can lead to heart disease, heart failure, heart attack and stroke.
What is Hypertension?
Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Hypertension is when the blood pressure is too high.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts or beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure level is consistently ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Blood pressure levels between 120/80 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg are considered at risk or elevated levels, often called prehypertension.
Risk Factors and Symptoms of Hypertension
There is only one way to know if a person has high blood pressure and that is to have a health care professional measure it. Hypertension is usually diagnosed after two or more blood pressure readings showing high blood pressure. It is also important to regularly monitor blood pressure for patients at risk.
Many people with high blood pressure have the ability to lower their blood pressure into a healthy range by making lifestyle changes. Modifiable risk factors include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, consumption of alcohol and tobacco, and being overweight or obese. Making lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, including limiting sodium and alcohol, not smoking, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, and keeping a healthy weight can lower blood pressure levels.
If hypertension goes undiagnosed, symptoms can develop including headaches, nosebleeds, irregular heart rhythms, vision changes, and buzzing in the ears. Severe hypertension can cause fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, chest pain, and muscle tremors.
VitalTech is the Solution!
Nearly half (47%) of adults in the United States have hypertension and 1 in 3 adults with high blood pressure are unaware of this condition and are not being treated to control their blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.1 It is essential that blood pressure is measured regularly so those with hypertension are aware and can manage it.
Implementing a RPM program that focuses on patients with hypertension or prehypertension can improve clinical outcomes and reduce costly treatments. VitalCare allows patients to regularly monitor blood pressure and pulse using the wireless, BLE or LTE blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter. Daily readings taken by the patient are automatically shared with that patient’s care team. Care teams work with patients to ensure readings are taken at specific times each day. These continuous readings can alert providers of irregular activity and actions can be taken, like adjusting medication, to intervene before an event were to occur.
Modifiable risk factors can be managed and monitored through the VitalCare platform. Weight, physical activity, and nutrition can be logged and monitored. Medication reminders and other notifications can be set up to ensure the patient is taking control of their health. Educational resources are available to patients to learn more on how to manage their specific condition.
VitalCare is an easy to use, comfortable, and convenient technology for all patients. Managing hypertension with VitalTech gives patients the quality care they deserve that is accessible and affordable. If you are looking to improve the lives of your patients, look to VitalTech!
Contact us to learn more about how we can help you provide the right solution for your patients.
