Normal blood pressure is now 120 over 80 or lower. Elevated blood pressure is 121 to 129 over 80 or lower. The first stage of high blood pressure is 130 to 139 over 80 to 89. The second stage is 140 to 179 over 90 or higher. It’s now considered to be a medical emergency if blood pressure is 180 over 120 or higher.
If your dad’s blood pressure is that high, you must call his doctor. If he has high blood pressure and has other symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain, he needs to go to the hospital.
Ask your dad’s doctor for a recommendation on which blood pressure cuff to buy for his home. Some people have raised blood pressure readings when they’re stressed. The doctor’s office can increase stress.
At the doctor’s office, you can also ask the doctor to take his blood pressure after the appointment is over and see if the reading is lower than the initial one.
Take readings at home in a relaxed setting. Record those readings and show his doctor. This can be a more accurate way to get his blood pressure throughout the day
It used to be that medications were used when blood pressure got very high. Revised guidelines in 2017 suggest using blood pressure medications when diet and exercise aren’t working and blood pressure is 130 over 80 or higher and there have been other health issues. The goal is still to try to reduce blood pressure through diet, exercise, and weight loss before using medications.
To treat his high blood pressure, your dad’s doctor may want him to take blood pressure medications. He needs to take them each day at the recommended time. If he forgets, caregivers can help. They’ll come to his home and offer reminders. They can also encourage that he takes a walk and eats properly.
Call a home care agency to get answers to any questions you and your dad have. The specialist can discuss schedules, rates, and services caregivers offer. Pick up the phone for a free consultation.
Co-Owner, First Choice Senior Care
Kayla Stephens is the co-owner of First Choice Senior Care. She grew up in Northeast Arkansas, and has worked in rehabilitation, hospice care, managed nursing homes and a large home care agency. She has received several awards for sales and quality achievements in hospice and long-term care.
Kayla believes in advocating for and educating seniors and their families on a variety of topics and issues that impact them. Reflecting on the need for an independent home care provider interested in quality over quantity, she chased her dream of building her own company that would make a significant difference in the lives of seniors, providing a much-needed service in her own local community.
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University, is licensed by the state of Arkansas as a Long-Term Care Administrator, and is a Certified Senior Adviser.
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