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Hypertension
A silent, but deadly condition.
Although it is not considered a disease in
the conventional sense, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the
leading cause of death and disability among American adults. Four out
of every ten people over the age of 18 suffer a chronic elevation in
blood pressure, which can narrow the arteries and lead to angina,
heart attack and stroke. Worst of all, many people don't even know
they have it.
Hypertension is virtually asymptomatic in its
less acute form. Uncomplicated high blood pressure usually occurs
without any symptoms and has therefore been labeled "the silent
killer." Only the most severely affected patients experience the
headaches, lightheadedness, and lethargy sometimes associated with the
condition.
| High blood pressure may not make you feel sick, but it is serious
and should be treated by a doctor. |
| You can bring down your blood pressure with changed in diet and
daily habits and by taking medications if necessary. |
| Losing weight, cutting down on salt, alcohol and caffeine, and
getting regular exercise may be helpful, but only as suggested by your doctor. Do
not assume these are substitutes for medication unless your doctor tells you they are. |
| Take your medication at the same time each day....if a dose is
missed do not double up the next day. Instead, call your doctor or pharmacist for
advice. |
What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is given as a ratio of systolic and diastolic pressure.
This number represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is actively
pumping over the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. The joint
National Committee on Detection, Evaluation & Treatment of High Blood Pressure has
fixed 140/90 as the upper limit of normal blood pressure for American adults.
What causes High Blood Pressure?
So far researchers have been unable to pinpoint the precise cause of
hypertension. This type of high blood pressure is labeled primary hypertension.
The vast majority of cases, approximately 90-95%, of primary hypertension are due
to increased stiffness of the peripheral arteries associated with genetics, obesity, lack
of exercise, overuse of salt, hormonal imbalance and the natural aging process. The
remaining 5-10% have a known cause and is labeled secondary hypertension and most often is
associated with chronic kidney disease, diabetes or some other underlying illness.
Many Effective Treatments
Diuretics, which increase the body's secretion of urinary sodium, and beta
blockers, which depress the sympathetic nervous system, are frequently prescribed to
reduce blood pressure for many patients. Recently, a host a new drugs, including
Isradipine, have shown promising results with fewer or less severe side effects than the
previous generation of vasodilators.
Even more important are lifestyle changes. Many of those at risk who
stop smoking, actively reduce their stress levels, adopt a low-salt/low cholesterol diet,
and engage in aerobic exercise 3-5 times weekly register an immediate improvement in their
blood pressure readings and report an enhanced sense of well-being.
Test your blood pressure, then monitor it regularly. Make your
doctor and your pharmacist partners in helping you keep your blood pressure within
acceptable limits with a personal regimen of healthy diet, regular exercise and, when
necessary, medication.
Can High Blood Pressure Be Prevented?
There is now good evidence that high blood pressure can be prevented in
some people. The keys to prevention are:
Keeping your weight moderate.
Cutting down on salt and caffeine.
Exercising regularly.
If you drink, having no more than two drinks a day.
Greater awareness and frequest blood pressure screenings can help identify
persons with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Frequest blood pressure monitoring for
those persons taking medications can assist with keeping blood pressure controlled by
detecting when a medication is no longer effective. When consistently higher
readings are noted physicians may increase or change medications.
Be sure to take advantage of our free monthly blood pressure screenings
held at our store. Blood pressure readings are preformed by a nurse......check our
homepage for the next blood pressure screening date and time.
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