Programs
Programs | Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a very common condition. In fact, many people who have hypertension are not aware. It often has no symptoms and can cause serious complications like stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure and even death, if left untreated. Blood pressure is the force of blood as it presses against the walls of the arteries, like the pressure of water in a garden hose. There are two numbers that are used to describe blood pressure. The top number is called “systolic” and measures blood pressure when the heart is pumping. The bottom number is called “diastolic” and it measures blood pressure when the heart is at rest. Normal healthy blood pressure is 120/80 (one-hundred and twenty over eighty) or below.
Carolina Collaborative Community Care, Inc. (4C) provides a self-management program for patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension. Patients receive health education on diet, exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, stress management, and the side effects of medication. Additionally, they are provided support from a care manager that specializes in hypertension. 4C provides a blood pressure machine to patients with documented uncontrolled high blood pressure, when necessary.
Furthermore, medical providers can benefit from the 4C hypertension initiative through medication reconciliation reports that may identify deficiencies in medications and compliance. Equally important, medical providers can request home visit reports, for their patients, to obtain additional insight on patients’ individual disease processes. Our overall goal is to improve the continuity of care that patients receive.
Did You Know?
Hypertension affects 1 out of every 4 adults. The exact cause of hypertension is unknown but certain factors are associated with high blood pressure. People who are at higher risk for developing high blood pressure are smokers, overweight, stressed, people who eat salt and fat regularly or are not physically active. Preventing and controlling hypertension involves commitment and self control. An individual with hypertension can lead a long and healthy life if they adopt the following practices:
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Follow a healthy eating pattern
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Find ways to limit stress
- Make regular visits to a health care provider
- Take medications as directed
- Be physically active
- Limit alcohol
- Quit smoking
