Kidney Health Week - 23 May to 29 May 2010
What is blood pressure?
Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of your body through tubes called arteries. Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps the blood around the body.
Blood pressure varies from person to person, so there are no fixed rules about what blood pressure reading is ‘normal’. It is recommended that people aim to have a blood pressure reading 120/80 or under.
Does blood pressure stay the same?
No, your blood pressure does not stay the same. Your blood pressure changes to meet the demands of your body. It is usually at its highest when we exercise and lowest when we sleep. It can also rise due to anxiety, excitement, activity or nervousness.
What’s so bad about high blood pressure?
If blood pressure is left uncontrolled and remains high, it can damage the vessels that supply blood to your internal organs. The very small vessels are often the first to be affected. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and kidney disease.
Is high blood pressure related to kidney disease?
Yes, high blood pressure is closely related to kidney disease. If high blood pressure is left unchecked, it can cause blood vessels in your kidneys to become thickened and narrowed, which will in turn affect your blood supply and kidney function.
If I have high blood pressure, what should I do?
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest dietary and lifestyle changes such as:
- Losing excess weight through healthy eating
- Limiting your alcohol intake to two standard drinks of less if a male or one standard drink if a female,
- Doing regular physical activity
- Healthy eating including reducing your fat and salt intake
- Being a non-smoker
How does your blood pressure measure up?
We recommend having regular blood pressure check up with your GP. If changes to your lifestyle do not reduce your blood pressure, or if your blood pressure is very high, your doctor can prescribe medications.
 For more information about Kidney Health Week or to order resources for your health promotion, contact us by phoning.
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Check out the Kidney Health Week activities in your state
Medical Health Resources to support your Kidney Health Week promotion
We offer a range of colourful posters which can be posted to you or downloaded by clicking links at the bottom of this page. Our website also offers a huge range of kidney health information to support any event, particularly our annual Kidney Health Week promotion.
Wish to order our material? Health professionals may order bulk copies of fact sheets, brochures and publications - fill out our Resource Order Form and fax to 'KHA Health Programs Manager' at 08 8334 7540 or health@kidney.org.au
Our Health and Medical team suggest the following resources:
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