Hypertension - 2 - Condition & Symptoms

Possible Action Steps

Discuss the target ranges for healthy blood pressure: compare target range with individual's actual BP
Together, review individual's risk factors for HBP. Circle the factors that would be easiest to change. Underline the factors that would be hardest to change.
Discuss why African Americans (if relevant) are at especially high risk for HBP
Discuss the importance of using more than one strategy to control HBP - using blood pressure-lowering medications plus making lifestyle/behavior changes (e.g., less salt, more activity)
Discuss how smoking and other tobacco products contribute to high blood pressure
Identify a small step change - e.g., smoke fewer cigarettes per day, and put an achievable plan to work
Discuss why being overweight (too many food calories plus inactivity) contributes to high blood pressure

Supporting Resources

Possible Action Steps

Encourage individual to acquire a home blood pressure monitoring device. Learn how to use it; put together a plan to measure two or three times per week. Track results using a tracking tool.
Discuss how to properly measure weight, BMI and waist circumference. Check weight at least two times per week. Get a feel for how activity and nutrition impact weight changes.

Supporting Resources

Possible Action Steps

Encourage individual top ay attention to behavior/lifestyle risk factors that contribute to high blood pressure on a daily basis
Encourage individual to pay attention to the time spent each day doing things that increases or decreases blood pressure (smoking, being inactive, eating high salt/fat foods)
Discuss the risk factors for high blood pressure - do they cause other health problems as well (obesity, lung cancer, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, etc)

Supporting Resources