CONTROLLOING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE |
Blood pressure is the force of the flowing blood against the walls of the arteries. It's measured in two numbers ...for example, '140/90.' The first number (140) is systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart contracts and pumps the blood through the body. The lower number (90) is diastolic pressure, the pressure between pumps, when the heart is resting.
120/80 is considered normal. You have high blood pressure (hypertension) if your blood- pressure reading is equal to or greater than 140/90 for extended periods of time. Elevated blood pressure means your heart is working harder than normal, putting both your heart and arteries under a greater strain.
Most of us don't even think about our blood pressure. Sometime someone or something really annoys us or we get really upset about something. Aggravating events tend to cause a temporary rise in blood pressure.
The cause for concern however is: "hypertension," or high blood pressure that remains elevated over time. This condition can be a symptom of something else going on in your body and uncontrolled, it can cause other problems. Keeping your blood pressure under control is tremendously important to your overall health. High blood pressure is one of several factors associated with cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer of both men and women. Cardiovascular disease claims more lives annually than all cancers combined, killing approximately one million people in the U.S. each year. It disables countless others. |
| ESSENTIAL HYPERETENSION |
SECONDARY HYPERETENSION |
| Causes unknown in 90% cases. |
Cause- a disease or other physical problem. |
| |
(Common cause- Kidney or thyroid disease) |
|
Many factors are associated with high blood pressure, including genetics, age, race, stress, obesity, smoking, a high- salt diet, smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure can develop over many years with no apparent symptoms. That's why regular blood pressure checks are so important. Only when high blood pressure is severe do symptoms appear. Warning signs can include nosebleeds, racing or irregular heartbeat, headaches, and dizziness. One may not show any of these signs but still be suffering from high blood pressure.
Compared to women, men suffer from hypertension at a relatively younger age. High blood pressure is serious business. Allowed to run unchecked, it can cause many health problems, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and blindness. On average,
people with uncontrolled high blood pressure are:
Seven times more likely to have a stroke.
Six times more likely to develop congestive heart failure.
Three times more likely to have a heart attack. |
| Keeping blood pressure under control |
Anyone suffering from high blood pressure must follow the doctor’s advice fully. This involves keeping your diet low in fat, reducing your salt intake, quitting smoking, and limiting your alcohol consumption.
Regular exercise, controlling weight within limits and learning to manage stress (instead of letting it manage you) are equally important. Research has proved that constant stress and pressure may lead to continually elevated blood pressure later in life.
Checking salt intake
Excessive salt consumption aggravates high blood pressure. It causes water retention, which makes your heart work harder than it has to. The total salt consumption for anyone in a day should not be more than about 1 teaspoon of table salt. On average, Americans consume 4,000 to 6,000 milligrams of sodium daily.
CHECKLIST for blood pressure control
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Your primary care physician can tell you how often.
Stop smoking.
Avoid excessive salt intake.
Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber...and less fat.
Reduce stress on and off the job; master relaxation techniques.
Be moderate in your drinking.
Exercise regularly, and keep your weight within normal limits.
If your doctor prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure, be sure to follow his or her directions exactly.
The right first step...
If you currently don t have a primary care physician, get one. If you have a physician but haven't had a physical exam -- including a blood pressure check -- in some time, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. To read an article on how to choose a primary care physician who is right for you, click here.
High blood pressure is often silent -- or without symptoms -- until a major problem develops. That's why it's extremely important to undergo checkups on a regular basis. This can literally save your life. Your doctor can help you prevent high blood pressure or, at minimum, treat it at an earlier stage when it's easier to manage. |
