High blood pressure (HBP)—also called hypertension—can be dangerous! Test your knowledge about this common condition by answering 7 questions.
Symptoms and Results
Which of these are symptoms of HBP?
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Pain in hands and feet
- Nothing in particular
- Constant sneezing
Answer: C—High blood pressure seldom causes noticeable symptoms. That’s why it’s called the “silent killer”.
Which of these are dangers of HBP?
- Artery damage
- Indigestion
- Increased chance of a stroke
- Chronic kidney disease
Answer: A, C, and D—Hardened arteries prevent the flow of blood and oxygen, causing heart disease. Burst or blocked arteries can cause a stroke. HBP can also mean a higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
HBP is a dangerous condition—but you might not know you have it! The only way to know is to have your blood pressure checked by a doctor or at your pharmacy.
Blood Pressure Numbers
There are 2 main numbers on the blood pressure monitor. What is the top number called?
- Spasmodic number
- Systolic number
- Galactic number
- Catastrophic number
Answer: B—Your systolic pressure is the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps out blood during a heartbeat.
What is the bottom number called?
- Diabolic number
- Prehistoric number
- Diastolic number
- Magic number
Answer: C—Your diastolic pressure is the pressure between the heartbeats, when the heart fills with blood.
Which set of numbers is considered healthy for systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom)?
- 1/2
- 200/50
- 130/80 or less
- 25/100
Answer: C—For years, most medical experts believed an adult’s blood pressure should not be higher than 140/90. But now, some doctors say a reading above 130/80 is too high.
So your numbers are high. Now what?
HBP Treatment
Which one of these is WRONG to do if your blood pressure is high?
- Take prescribed medicine
- Lose weight if needed
- Get no exercise
- Lower your stress
Answer: C—Regular activity like walking, jogging, cycling or swimming can bring your blood pressure down. Do at least half an hour most days.
But be careful! Don’t try weight lifting or heavy resistance training until your blood pressure is under control.
Aside from medication, what else can you do to help control HBP?
- Check your pressure at home
- Follow a special diet
- Do exercises like yoga and tai chi
- Listen to calming music
Answer: A, B, C and D—All these are things your doctor may suggest to help control your numbers. If that’s not enough, you may be prescribed medication.
Good job! You now know the facts about HBP!
Extra Points
If your QualChoice plan includes QCARE, call a Care Manager for help with health and well-being goals.
Our Care Managers can give support for things like:
- Lowering HBP
- Improving diet
- Handling stress
- Increasing activity
- Stopping tobacco use
Call 800.235.7111 or 501.228.7111 and ask to speak to a Care Manager.*
*Health plans vary. Check with your employer or plan administrator to see if QCARE is included.
