High Blood Pressure--Don't Let it Get You Down

This is yet another article on High Blood Pressure. I was watching a television commercial and a white middle-aged woman says "I never thought I'd have a heart attack, but I did". Needless to say, it turned her life around!

How Common Is Hypertension/High Blood Pressure?

One out of every four U.S. adults has high blood pressure, yet only 27% receive adequate treatment. The condition becomes more common with age (about 63% of older adults have hypertension). African-Americans are particularly prone to high blood pressure, even in middle age.

It is also more common in overweight people and in those with a family history of high blood pressure.

How Is It Diagnosed?

A "normal" BP is usually defined as less than 120/80 mm Hg. If your systolic BP is higher than 140 or your diastolic BP is higher than 90 in three consecutive readings on three different occasions, then your doctor may suggest that you be treated for hypertension.

(BP) is blood pressure. BP is essential to keep blood circulating through the body, bringing food and oxygen to vital organs. Blood flows through your veins and arteries, which also carry blood away from the heart.

With each heartbeat, blood is pushed into the arteries. BP consists of two forces: the pressure of the blood against the artery walls and the arteries' resistance to the blood flow. (Don't overly concern yourself with this medical jargon)

Everyone's BP rises and falls throughout the day; however, when a person's BP remains elevated at all times, hypertension will likely be diagnosed. The first number (140) is your systolic BP, the highest pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts.

The second number (90) is your diastolic BP, the lowest pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats. (This part is basically all you need to know about how it works)

Causes and Symptoms of Hypertension

In about 95% of cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown. It may be caused by such conditions as kidney disease; adrenal disorders; a structural abnormality of the aorta; pregnancy; the use of certain medications; or one of several rare diseases. People with diabetes are also at risk for high BP.

Most people with hypertension have no symptoms, which is why the condition has been called the "silent killer" and why it is important to have your BP checked regularly. If your BP is very high, however, you may experience headaches, fatigue, confusion, changes in your vision, anxiety, excessive sweating, or redness in the face.

Hypertension slowly damages the heart, brain, kidneys, and arteries. It is also a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Quick story: A year ago, an African-American employee appeared at my pediatric clinic window stating she did not feel good and maybe her pressure was up. She was 48 years old, overweight, on no medications. Her BP was 190/110! Her color was ashen, she could barely walk. I got our pediatrician to look at her and she agreed it was possibly an impending stroke or heart attack.

I called for an ambulance and didn't hear what the outcome was. Six weeks later she returned to work and thanked me for saving her life. She was placed on blood pressure medications. Then one day recently I was disappointed to see her outside, smoking a cigarette. I am almost positive, her doctor has warned her to stop smoking due to her condition.

Treatment Without Medication:

Lifestyle changes may be all you need to lower your BP, especially if you have mild or high-normal pressure (which your doctor will determine). The American Heart Association recommends these: Follow a healthy diet. Restrict your intake of sodium and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and fat-free/low-fat dairy products. Drink alcohol in moderation. More than two drinks per day can drive up BP. Lose weight. Losing a few pounds can lower BP. Exercise regularly. Engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for about 30 to 60 minutes per day at least 3 days a week. Stop smoking. Manage stress. Taking short relaxation breaks at work and at home can help lower BP.

Drug Therapy:

If lifestyle changes are not enough, then your doctor may prescribe antihypertensive (BP-lowering) medication. You may start with a diuretic (water pill), which will help to rid your body of excess fluids and salt. Diuretics are particularly beneficial in older adults and in African-Americans.

Some patients require additional treatment or different therapy, however. Only your doctor knows for sure which medications may be right for you. As with all medications, you should report any ill effects to your doctor when taking these.

Other drugs reduce the heart rate and the heart's output of blood; reduce BP by opening up the smaller arteries; widen blood vessels by relaxing the muscles and relax arteries.

Some Final Comments

Don't let hypertension get you down. If you follow your doctor's instructions, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stay on your medication, you will be able to control your BP and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

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