30Apr 2024 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Empowering Hypertension Management: A Guide for Nurse Practitioners

Empowering Hypertension Management: A Guide for Nurse Practitioners

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By Tonya Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, MPH, FNP- As healthcare providers, nurse practitioners (NPs) hold a crucial role in supporting patients with hypertension, a condition that affects millions worldwide. In this episode, we'll explore the multifaceted approach NPs can take to empower patients in managing hypertension effectively, integrating key concepts such as the stages of change model, medication adherence, and self-blood pressure monitoring. Assessment and Education One of the foundational steps in hypertension management is thorough assessment and patient education. NPs should utilize tools like the stages of change model to gauge patients' readiness for behavior change. By understanding where patients are in their journey, NPs can tailor education and support to meet individual needs, fostering engagement and empowerment. Stages of Change Model The stages of change model, also known as…
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27Jun 2023 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement: The Key to Diagnosing and Managing Hypertension

Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement: The Key to Diagnosing and Managing Hypertension

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By Tonya Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, MPH, FNP-Welcome to the Hypertension Blog, where we break down important information about high blood pressure in a way that is easy to understand. Today, we're going to talk about why it's essential to measure blood pressure accurately and how different methods can help in diagnosing and managing hypertension. Did you know that elevated blood pressure and hypertension are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases? In fact, they contribute to more cardiovascular events and lives lost due to disability than any other modifiable risk factor. That's why it's crucial to measure blood pressure accurately and identify individuals with hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is considered a significant risk factor for various health conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Here are some reasons why hypertension is considered…
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12Sep 2022 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Hypertension: World’s Leading Risk Factor

Hypertension: World’s Leading Risk Factor

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by Tonya L. Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, FNP, MPH-Hypertension: World's Leading Risk Factor Who would've ever thought that hypertension would be the world's leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke? Worst than diabetes? No, say it's not so, but it is. The good news is that hypertension is usually easily detected. All you need is a validated home blood pressure monitor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR2g48xld4M
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08Mar 2022 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Can High Blood Sugar Increase Your Blood Pressure?

Can High Blood Sugar Increase Your Blood Pressure?

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by Tonya L. Breaux-Shropshire, PhD, DNP, FNP, MPH Can high blood sugar increase your blood pressure? Heck yeah, but how or why? Your doctor already told you that you need to reduce your salt intake to help control your blood pressure. It seems that not many people know that they need to reduce their sugar intake as well. Here is how sugar increase your blood pressure: Sugar increases your uric acid level which blocks your body's ability to make nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes your blood vessels, which reduces your blood pressure. Without enough nitric oxide, your blood vessels will stiffen causing an increase in your blood pressure. Too much sugar causes you to store excess sugar as fat leading to excessive weight gain. Excessive weight gain leads to you…
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30Jun 2021 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Is High Blood Pressure Really Without Signs or Symptoms?

Is High Blood Pressure Really Without Signs or Symptoms?

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Is high blood pressure really without signs or symptoms? High blood pressure has been acknowledged as the "silent killer" by the American Heart & Stroke Association. We all know why. It is that because most people don't feel any signs or symptoms that something is wrong. Signs of high blood pressure are things that you experience that your doctor or anyone else can see if they know what they are looking for. Symptoms are the experience that you are having that is not necessarily noticeable by your doctor. Symptoms are what you are feeling however, I cannot ignore the fact that some patients have sworn that they know exactly when their blood pressure is high. Some people feel hot when their blood pressure is high. This is a symptom because…
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16Oct 2020 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
5 Ways to Know If You Have Target Organ Damage From Hypertension?

5 Ways to Know If You Have Target Organ Damage From Hypertension?

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What are five ways to know if you have target organ damage from hypertension? Here are five things that would alert you to get your organs checked: 1). Problem with your eyes: blurred vision, etc 2). Change in memory, or neurological deficits 3). Changes in cognition 4). Palpitations or shortness of breath, or 2-5 pound weight gain in one day. Call your doctor for an appointment to check your heart. Monitor your heart rhythm using this at home EKG monitor that is FDA approved and easy to use. Click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDnvcIrKjUo 5). Protein or blood in your urine could mean some kidney dysfunction. Call your doctor to get a creatine level to test your kidneys. Use these FDA approved urine strips here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JravabiVnj8
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16Sep 2020 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
What Can Be Done Right Now To Relieve Stress, Anxiety & Blood Pressure?

What Can Be Done Right Now To Relieve Stress, Anxiety & Blood Pressure?

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What Can Be Done Right Now To Relieve Stress, Anxiety & Blood Pressure? There's so much going on that could be causing you to have levels of stress, anxiety, or high blood pressure. What's Causing You Stress, Anxiety, & Raising Your Blood Pressure The pandemic would be enough to cause stress, anxiety, and raise your blood pressure. There have been over six million cases in America with 200, 679 deaths. However, there are other things going on too. rWe have had several hurricanes, including hurricane Sally that hit Gulf Shores, Alabama, this morning. Hurricane Teddy and storm Vicky are still out there headed this way. We are fortunate that so far, the hurricanes have not had the suspected impact on lives and property. Hopefully, that will be the case today…
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29Jul 2020 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
High Blood Pressure Medication & Pregnancy: Substituting Methyldopa

High Blood Pressure Medication & Pregnancy: Substituting Methyldopa

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A member of my Facebook Group is having trouble finding her prescribed high blood pressure medication called methyldopa. She wanted to know what medication might be a substitute in pregnacy and if she is trying to conceive. The best person to answer this question is her doctor or her pharmacist (PharmD). Many times physicians, pharmDs, and insurance providers work together to come up with the best medication substitution. The member said, "Hello Everyone! Does anyone know of any high blood pressure medication that is approved for during pregnancy or trying to conceive? I’ve been taking Methyldopa for a while now but it’s discontinued at my regular pharmacy, and all other pharmacies in my area are saying the same thing." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se7JqYbLGdA Methyldopa Methyldopa is also known as Aldoment, and it is…
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12Mar 2020 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire

Exercise at Home to Minimize Your Public Exposure Due to the Coronavirus

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You should consider minimizing your public exposure to the coronavirus pandemic when you exercise. However, you have to continue to get your workout in on most days. Coronavirus can spread if an infected person coughs or sneezes without appropriate mouth covering. The droplets from the infected person's mouth or nose can contaminate any objects or surfaces such as gym equipment or countertops. Although uncommon, you can get Coronavirus by touching these objects or surfaces and touching your face, nose, or mouth. According to the Center for disease control, quarantine and isolation are very effective to prevent Coronavirus. However, based on what we know about the transmission of any infectious disease, your immunity plays a big part in the spread of the virus. That said, it's important to boost your immunity…
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19Feb 2020 by Tonya Breaux-Shropshire
Lisinopril: What You Ought to Know

Lisinopril: What You Ought to Know

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What you ought to know about Lisinopril. Lisinopril is an ace-inhibitor blood pressure medication that lowers blood pressure, and it is used to protect your kidneys. It is also used in heart failure and after a heart attack. Captopril, enalapril, fosinopril and other medications that end in "pril" have similar effects and side effects as lisinopril. Cough is one of the most aggravating things that most patients complain of when taking lisinopril. But lisinopril can cause a life-threatening side effect called angioedema. Swelling or numbness of the face, mouth, lip, throat or tongue, or difficulty breathing are life-threating symptoms of angioedema. If you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. [caption id="attachment_1190" align="alignnone" width="300"] A fire truck is parked in the bay with all of the…
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