Whether you are teaching a group of students in an exercise class or a general health class, knowing about blood pressure will allow them to live healthier lives. You can teach what numbers in a blood pressure reading signify, what a normal blood pressure reading is as defined by the American Heart Association, factors that have an effect on blood pressure, negative health effects of high blood pressure and how high blood pressure is treated after diagnosis.
Step 1
Ask the students to share with you what they know about blood pressure. Present the topics that will be discussed in class so they know that all their questions will be answered.
Step 2
Have the blood pressure of each student checked either manually by a health care professional or automatically using a blood pressure monitoring device.
Step 3
Explain that the top number of the blood pressure reading measures the pressure in arteries when the heart beats.
Step 4
Explain that the bottom number of the blood pressure reading measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats when the heart is at rest.
Step 5
Tell the class that a normal blood pressure, as defined by the American Heart Association, is a top number below 120 and a bottom number below 80. High blood pressure is a top number of 140 to 159 and a bottom number of 90 to 99.
Step 6
Hand the students printed articles about blood pressure and discuss the factors that impact blood pressure and having a healthy heart. These include heredity, exercise, emotional stress, weight, diet and smoking.
Step 7
Discuss the negative health effects of high blood pressure, such as vessel weaknesses and scarring, increased risk of blood clots, increased plaque and cholesterol build-up, tissue and organ damage and increased workload on the circulatory system.
Step 8
Talk about how high blood pressure is treated after diagnoses, like making lifestyle modifications or taking prescribed medications.
Step 9
Ask the students if they have any questions and let the students direct further discussion.
Tips and Warnings
- Come prepared to provide referrals to local health resources if students want medical advice about their blood pressure.
Things You'll Need
- Articles and brochures about blood pressure
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Stethoscopes
- Automatic blood pressure monitors
