How to use a blood pressure monitor.
Following the success of this measure blood pressure video we are pleased to offer another excellent clip.
Quick easy and accurate. For further information about blood pressure and where you can get your blood pressure measured during the blood pressure testing week on the lower blood pressure blog
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Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
High Blood Pressure Drug Information
High Blood Pressure Symptoms Drug Information
Once you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will talk to you about treatment options that may include a drug regimen. Below you’ll find our a listing of medications and information about them.
* Accupril Oral
* Aldactone Oral
* Altace Oral
* Avapro Oral
* Benicar Oral
* BiDil Oral
* Caduet Oral
* Cardizem Oral
* Catapres Oral
* Coreg Oral
* Cozaar Oral
* Dyazide Oral
* HYZAAR Oral
* INSPRA Oral
* Lasix Oral
* Lopressor Oral
* Lotensin Oral
* Mavik Oral
* Micardis Oral
* Norvasc Oral
* Prinivil Oral
* Toprol XL Oral
* Vasotec Oral
* Zestril Oral
* Accupril Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Aldactone Oral
Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat swelling (edema) caused by certain conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure) by removing excess fluid and
improving symptoms such as breathing problems.
* Altace Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Avapro Oral
This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Irbesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.
* Benicar Oral
Olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Olmesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.
* BiDil Oral
This medication is used with other medications to treat heart failure in selected patients. This combination drug is used when other heart failure medications are not controlling your symptoms. This product contains 2 drugs. Isosorbide belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrate vasodilators.
Hydralazine is a different kind of vasodilator. Both drugs cause relaxation of blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This effect allows the heart to work less, decreasing symptoms of heart failure.
* Caduet Oral
This product contains 2 medications, amlodipine and atorvastatin. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and is used to treat high blood pressure or prevent chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow through the body more easily and the heart does not need to work so hard. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Preventing chest pain can help improve your ability to
exercise.
* Cardizem Oral
Diltiazem is used with or without other medications to treat chest pain (angina). When used regularly, diltiazem can decrease the number and severity of episodes of chest pain from angina. Diltiazem is called a calcium channel blocker. It works to decrease attacks of chest pain by relaxing blood vessels in the body and heart so blood can flow more easily, helping the heart work less hard to pump blood. Diltiazem may also decrease heart rate.
* Catapres Oral
This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs (central alpha agonists) that act in the brain to lower blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
* Coreg Oral
This medication is an alpha and beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used after a heart attack to improve the chance of survival. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
* Cozaar Oral
This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.
* Dyazide Oral
This medication is a combination of two "water pills" (diuretics). It increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. Hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene is used in patients who have developed or are at risk for developing serious potassium loss with hydrochlorothiazide treatment alone.
* HYZAAR Oral
This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication is a combination of two drugs (an angiotensin receptor blocker and a thiazide "water pill"/diuretic). Losartan blocks the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. The thiazide diuretic increases the amount of urine you make, therefore decreasing excess water and salt in your body. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
* INSPRA Oral
This medication is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. It works by blocking a chemical (aldosterone) in your body which in turn lowers the amount of sodium and water the body retains. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. It is also used to treat congestive heart failure following a heart attack.
* Lasix Oral
Furosemide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
* Lopressor Oral
This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure. It is also used after an acute heart attack to improve survival. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Lotensin Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Mavik Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Micardis Oral
This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.
* Norvasc Oral
Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), certain kinds of chest pain (chronic stable angina, vasospastic angina, coronary artery disease). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Relieving symptoms of angina can increase your ability to exercise and perform strenuous work. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. It may relieve the symptoms of angina by relaxing narrowed blood vessels and lowering blood pressure so that the heart muscle does not have to work as hard to pump blood through your body.
* Prinivil Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and in children 6 years of age and older. It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Toprol XL Oral
This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
* Vasotec Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children. It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney
problems.
* Zestril Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and in children 6 years of age and older. It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
High-blood-pressure-symptoms
Once you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will talk to you about treatment options that may include a drug regimen. Below you’ll find our a listing of medications and information about them.
* Accupril Oral
* Aldactone Oral
* Altace Oral
* Avapro Oral
* Benicar Oral
* BiDil Oral
* Caduet Oral
* Cardizem Oral
* Catapres Oral
* Coreg Oral
* Cozaar Oral
* Dyazide Oral
* HYZAAR Oral
* INSPRA Oral
* Lasix Oral
* Lopressor Oral
* Lotensin Oral
* Mavik Oral
* Micardis Oral
* Norvasc Oral
* Prinivil Oral
* Toprol XL Oral
* Vasotec Oral
* Zestril Oral
* Accupril Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Aldactone Oral
Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat swelling (edema) caused by certain conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure) by removing excess fluid and
improving symptoms such as breathing problems.
* Altace Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Avapro Oral
This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Irbesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.
* Benicar Oral
Olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Olmesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.
* BiDil Oral
This medication is used with other medications to treat heart failure in selected patients. This combination drug is used when other heart failure medications are not controlling your symptoms. This product contains 2 drugs. Isosorbide belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrate vasodilators.
Hydralazine is a different kind of vasodilator. Both drugs cause relaxation of blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This effect allows the heart to work less, decreasing symptoms of heart failure.
* Caduet Oral
This product contains 2 medications, amlodipine and atorvastatin. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker and is used to treat high blood pressure or prevent chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow through the body more easily and the heart does not need to work so hard. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Preventing chest pain can help improve your ability to
exercise.
* Cardizem Oral
Diltiazem is used with or without other medications to treat chest pain (angina). When used regularly, diltiazem can decrease the number and severity of episodes of chest pain from angina. Diltiazem is called a calcium channel blocker. It works to decrease attacks of chest pain by relaxing blood vessels in the body and heart so blood can flow more easily, helping the heart work less hard to pump blood. Diltiazem may also decrease heart rate.
* Catapres Oral
This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs (central alpha agonists) that act in the brain to lower blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
* Coreg Oral
This medication is an alpha and beta blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It is also used after a heart attack to improve the chance of survival. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
* Cozaar Oral
This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.
* Dyazide Oral
This medication is a combination of two "water pills" (diuretics). It increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. Hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene is used in patients who have developed or are at risk for developing serious potassium loss with hydrochlorothiazide treatment alone.
* HYZAAR Oral
This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication is a combination of two drugs (an angiotensin receptor blocker and a thiazide "water pill"/diuretic). Losartan blocks the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. The thiazide diuretic increases the amount of urine you make, therefore decreasing excess water and salt in your body. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
* INSPRA Oral
This medication is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. It works by blocking a chemical (aldosterone) in your body which in turn lowers the amount of sodium and water the body retains. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. It is also used to treat congestive heart failure following a heart attack.
* Lasix Oral
Furosemide is a "water pill" (diuretic) that increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
* Lopressor Oral
This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure. It is also used after an acute heart attack to improve survival. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Lotensin Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Mavik Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Micardis Oral
This drug is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers.
* Norvasc Oral
Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), certain kinds of chest pain (chronic stable angina, vasospastic angina, coronary artery disease). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Relieving symptoms of angina can increase your ability to exercise and perform strenuous work. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. It may relieve the symptoms of angina by relaxing narrowed blood vessels and lowering blood pressure so that the heart muscle does not have to work as hard to pump blood through your body.
* Prinivil Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and in children 6 years of age and older. It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
* Toprol XL Oral
This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
* Vasotec Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children. It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney
problems.
* Zestril Oral
This drug belongs to a group of medications called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and in children 6 years of age and older. It works by relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.
High-blood-pressure-symptoms
Pottasium & High Blood Pressure
If you are one that suffers with hypertension or high blood pressure, it is extremely important that you seek professional attention. Although the effects of the condition can be annoying, and even worse, life-threatening; there are many ways to control it. Coincidently, on-going research is being conducted to establish how potassium can aid in this feat.
Medical professionals encourage patients to modify their lifestyles to control the aggression of the disease. One of the most "aggressive" ways to attack high blood pressure is to establish a healthy eating plan that should include natural home remedies. Scientists have proven that a well-balanced, nutritional eating plan is a key element to lowering and even curing high blood pressure. Specifically, dietary plans that are rich in the mineral potassium decrease the risk of
developing further complications.
Potassium and high blood pressure is an important concept in that the potassium actually minimizes the effects of compounds, such as hormones, on the blood vessels. Inevitably, the mineral will either relax or prevent blood vessel contractions. There is an abundance of foods that are a great source of this naturally enriched mineral such as:
* apricots
* avocado
* bananas
* cantaloupe
* lima beans
* vegetables such as potatoes
* whole bran products such as cereal, certain breads
* fish
* poultry
Again, it is extremely important that you include potassium in your daily eating plan to combat the effects of high blood pressure. The supplement is not only necessary for the body's proper functioning; it is guaranteed to lower and perhaps even cure hypertension. Medical experts suggest a daily intake of at least 4700 milligrams to reap the benefits.
What-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-high blood pressure ?
Medical professionals encourage patients to modify their lifestyles to control the aggression of the disease. One of the most "aggressive" ways to attack high blood pressure is to establish a healthy eating plan that should include natural home remedies. Scientists have proven that a well-balanced, nutritional eating plan is a key element to lowering and even curing high blood pressure. Specifically, dietary plans that are rich in the mineral potassium decrease the risk of
developing further complications.
Potassium and high blood pressure is an important concept in that the potassium actually minimizes the effects of compounds, such as hormones, on the blood vessels. Inevitably, the mineral will either relax or prevent blood vessel contractions. There is an abundance of foods that are a great source of this naturally enriched mineral such as:
* apricots
* avocado
* bananas
* cantaloupe
* lima beans
* vegetables such as potatoes
* whole bran products such as cereal, certain breads
* fish
* poultry
Again, it is extremely important that you include potassium in your daily eating plan to combat the effects of high blood pressure. The supplement is not only necessary for the body's proper functioning; it is guaranteed to lower and perhaps even cure hypertension. Medical experts suggest a daily intake of at least 4700 milligrams to reap the benefits.
What-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-high blood pressure ?
Lifestyle Changes To Lower High Blood Pressure
Healthy lifestyle changes are an important first step for lowering blood pressure. Current guidelines recommend that people should:
* Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
* Maintain normal weight
* Reduce salt intake
* Increase potassium intake
* Limit alcohol consumption
* Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products while reducing total and saturated fat intake.
(The DASH diet is one way of achieving such a dietary plan.)
DASH Diet
The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is proving to help lower blood pressure. Results are sometimes seen within a few weeks. Restricting sodium improves results.
The diet appears to have antioxidant effects and may help lower LDL cholesterol levels, although beneficial HDL levels also decline.
This diet not only is rich in important nutrients and fiber but also includes foods that contain far more electrolytes, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, than are found in the average American diet.
A diet that is effective in lowering blood pressure is called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH).
Dietary recommendations:
* Reduce saturated fat (but include calcium-rich dairy products that are non- or low-fat).
* When choosing fats, select monounsaturated oils, such as olive or canola oils.
* Choose whole grains over white flour or pasta products.
* Choose fresh fruits and vegetables every day. In one study, people who increased their intake of fruits and vegetables experienced a drop in blood pressure after 6 months. Many of these foods are rich in potassium, fiber, or both, possibly helping lower blood pressure.
* Include nuts, seeds, or legumes (dried beans or peas) daily.
* Choose modest amounts of protein (preferably fish, poultry, or soy products).
Slight changes to the DASH diet might help further lower high blood pressure, as well as improve cholesterol and lipid levels. Replacing some carbohydrates in the DASH diet with more protein (from plant sources) or monounsaturated fats may help further reduce heart disease risk factors.
High-blood-pressure
Treatment of High Blood Pressure | Hypertension (1)
What are the Basic Drugs for treating High Blood Pressure ?
Goals of treatment
You should always Keep in mind that high blood pressure is usually present for many years before its complications develop. The idea, therefore, is to treat hypertension early, before it damages important organs in the body. Accordingly, increased public awareness and screening programs to detect early, uncomplicated hypertension are the keys to successful treatment of high blood pressure. By treating high blood pressure successfully early enough, you can significantly decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
The goal for patients with combined systolic and diastolic hypertension is to attain a blood pressure of 140/85 mm Hg. Bringing the blood pressure down even lower, as mentioned earlier, may be desirable in African American patients, and patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Although life style changes in pre-hypertensive patients is appropriate, it is not well established that treatment with medication of patients with pre-hypertension is beneficial.
Points to consider while Starting treatment for high blood pressure
Blood pressure that is persistently higher than 140/ 90 mm Hg usually is treated with lifestyle modifications and medication. If the diastolic pressure remains at a borderline level (usually under 90 mm Hg, yet persistently above 85), however, more aggressive treatment also may be started in certain circumstances. These circumstances include borderline diastolic pressures in association with end-organ damage, systolic hypertension, or factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as age over 65 years, African American decent, smoking, hyperlipemia (elevated blood fats), or diabetes.
Any one of the several classes of medications may be started, except the alpha-blocker medications. The alpha-blockers drugs are used only in combination with another anti-hypertensive medication in specific medical situations.
In some particular situations, certain classes of anti-hypertensive drugs are preferable to others as the first line (choice) drugs. For example, Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocking (ARB) drugs are the drugs of choice in patients with heart failure, chronic kidney failure (in diabetics or non-diabetics), or heart attack (myocardial infarction) that weakens the heart muscle (systolic dysfunction), as these have remodeling effect on heart muscles. Also, beta-blockers are sometimes the preferred treatment in hypertensive patients with a resting tachycardia (racing heart beat when resting) or an acute (rapid onset, current) heart attack.
types-of-high-blood-pressure
Goals of treatment
You should always Keep in mind that high blood pressure is usually present for many years before its complications develop. The idea, therefore, is to treat hypertension early, before it damages important organs in the body. Accordingly, increased public awareness and screening programs to detect early, uncomplicated hypertension are the keys to successful treatment of high blood pressure. By treating high blood pressure successfully early enough, you can significantly decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
The goal for patients with combined systolic and diastolic hypertension is to attain a blood pressure of 140/85 mm Hg. Bringing the blood pressure down even lower, as mentioned earlier, may be desirable in African American patients, and patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Although life style changes in pre-hypertensive patients is appropriate, it is not well established that treatment with medication of patients with pre-hypertension is beneficial.
Points to consider while Starting treatment for high blood pressure
Blood pressure that is persistently higher than 140/ 90 mm Hg usually is treated with lifestyle modifications and medication. If the diastolic pressure remains at a borderline level (usually under 90 mm Hg, yet persistently above 85), however, more aggressive treatment also may be started in certain circumstances. These circumstances include borderline diastolic pressures in association with end-organ damage, systolic hypertension, or factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as age over 65 years, African American decent, smoking, hyperlipemia (elevated blood fats), or diabetes.
Any one of the several classes of medications may be started, except the alpha-blocker medications. The alpha-blockers drugs are used only in combination with another anti-hypertensive medication in specific medical situations.
In some particular situations, certain classes of anti-hypertensive drugs are preferable to others as the first line (choice) drugs. For example, Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocking (ARB) drugs are the drugs of choice in patients with heart failure, chronic kidney failure (in diabetics or non-diabetics), or heart attack (myocardial infarction) that weakens the heart muscle (systolic dysfunction), as these have remodeling effect on heart muscles. Also, beta-blockers are sometimes the preferred treatment in hypertensive patients with a resting tachycardia (racing heart beat when resting) or an acute (rapid onset, current) heart attack.
types-of-high-blood-pressure
Treatment of High Blood Pressure | Hypertension (2)
High Blood Pressure Symptoms : Beta-blockers
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the nervous system that helps to regulate certain involuntary (autonomic) functions in the body such as the function of the heart and blood vessels. The nerves of the sympathetic nervous system extend throughout the body and exert their effects by releasing chemicals that travel to nearby cells in the body, for example, muscle cells. The released chemicals bind to receptors (molecules) on the surface of the nearby cells and
stimulate or inhibit the function of the cells. In the heart and blood vessels, the receptors for the sympathetic nervous system that are most important are the beta receptors. When stimulated, beta-receptors in the heart increase the heart rate and the strength of heart contractions (pumping action).
Beta-blocking drugs acting on the heart on these Beta receptors, therefore, slow the heart rate and reduce the force of the heart’s contraction. Stimulation of beta-receptors in the smooth muscle of the peripheral arteries and in the airways of the lung causes these muscles to relax. Accordingly, beta-blockers cause contraction of the smooth muscle of the peripheral arteries
and thereby decrease the blood flow to the tissues throughout the body. As a result, the patient may experience, for example, coolness in the hands and feet. Likewise, in response to the beta-blockers, the airways are squeezed (constricted) by the contracting smooth muscle. This squeezing (impingement) on the airway causes wheezing, especially in individuals with a tendency for asthma. So remember, Beta Blockers are contracindicated in Asthametic patients. In short, beta-blockers reduce both the force of the heart's pumping action and the blood pressure that the heart generates in the arteries.
Beta-blockers remain useful medications in treating hypertension, especially in patients with a fast heartbeat while resting (tachycardia), cardiac chest pain (angina), or a recent heart attack (myocardial infarction). For example, beta-blockers appear to improve long-term survival when given to patients who have had a heart attack. Whether beta-blockers can prevent heart problems (are cardio-protective) in patients with hypertension any more than other anti-hypertensive medications, however, is uncertain. Beta-blockers may be considered for treatment of hypertension because they also may treat co-existing medical problems. For example, beta-blockers can help treat chronic anxiety or migraine headaches in people with hypertension. The common side effects of these drugs include depression, fatigue, nightmares, sexual impotence in males, and increased wheezing in people with asthma.
The beta-blockers include atenolol (Tenormin), propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Toprol, Mepressor, Merol), nadolol (Corgard), betaxolol (Kerlone), acebutolol (Sectral), pindolol
(Visken), and bisoprolol (Zebeta).
Taken from Dr Armughan Riaz
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the nervous system that helps to regulate certain involuntary (autonomic) functions in the body such as the function of the heart and blood vessels. The nerves of the sympathetic nervous system extend throughout the body and exert their effects by releasing chemicals that travel to nearby cells in the body, for example, muscle cells. The released chemicals bind to receptors (molecules) on the surface of the nearby cells and
stimulate or inhibit the function of the cells. In the heart and blood vessels, the receptors for the sympathetic nervous system that are most important are the beta receptors. When stimulated, beta-receptors in the heart increase the heart rate and the strength of heart contractions (pumping action).
Beta-blocking drugs acting on the heart on these Beta receptors, therefore, slow the heart rate and reduce the force of the heart’s contraction. Stimulation of beta-receptors in the smooth muscle of the peripheral arteries and in the airways of the lung causes these muscles to relax. Accordingly, beta-blockers cause contraction of the smooth muscle of the peripheral arteries
and thereby decrease the blood flow to the tissues throughout the body. As a result, the patient may experience, for example, coolness in the hands and feet. Likewise, in response to the beta-blockers, the airways are squeezed (constricted) by the contracting smooth muscle. This squeezing (impingement) on the airway causes wheezing, especially in individuals with a tendency for asthma. So remember, Beta Blockers are contracindicated in Asthametic patients. In short, beta-blockers reduce both the force of the heart's pumping action and the blood pressure that the heart generates in the arteries.
Beta-blockers remain useful medications in treating hypertension, especially in patients with a fast heartbeat while resting (tachycardia), cardiac chest pain (angina), or a recent heart attack (myocardial infarction). For example, beta-blockers appear to improve long-term survival when given to patients who have had a heart attack. Whether beta-blockers can prevent heart problems (are cardio-protective) in patients with hypertension any more than other anti-hypertensive medications, however, is uncertain. Beta-blockers may be considered for treatment of hypertension because they also may treat co-existing medical problems. For example, beta-blockers can help treat chronic anxiety or migraine headaches in people with hypertension. The common side effects of these drugs include depression, fatigue, nightmares, sexual impotence in males, and increased wheezing in people with asthma.
The beta-blockers include atenolol (Tenormin), propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Toprol, Mepressor, Merol), nadolol (Corgard), betaxolol (Kerlone), acebutolol (Sectral), pindolol
(Visken), and bisoprolol (Zebeta).
Taken from Dr Armughan Riaz
Medications To Treat High Blood Pressure
In relation to high blood pressure symptoms, which medications are used to treat high blood pressure?
The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs both affect the renin-angiotensin hormonal system, helps regulate the blood pressure. The ACE inhibitors work by blocking (inhibiting) an enzyme that converts the inactive form of angiotensin in the blood to its active form. The active form of angiotensin constricts or narrows the arteries, but the inactive form cannot. With an ACE inhibitor as a single drug treatment (monotherapy), 50 to 60 percent of Caucasians usually achieve good blood pressure control. African American patients may also respond, but they require higher doses and frequently do best when an ACE inhibitor is combined with a diuretic. (Diuretics are discussed below.)
As an added benefit, ACE inhibitors may reduce an enlarged heart (left ventricular hypertrophy) in patients with high blood pressure symptoms/ hypertension. These drugs also appear to slow the deterioration of kidney function in patients with hypertension and protein in the urine (proteinuria). Moreover, they have been particularly useful in slowing the progression of kidney dysfunction in hypertensive patients with kidney disease resulting from Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent).
Accordingly, ACE inhibitors usually are the first line drugs of choice to treat high blood pressure symptoms in cases that also involve congestive heart failure, chronic kidney failure in both diabetics and non-diabetics, and heart attack (myocardial infarction) that weakens the heart muscle (systolic dysfunction). ARB drugs are currently recommended for first line renal protection in diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease).
Patients who are treated with ACE inhibitors who also have kidney disease should be monitored for further deterioration in kidney function and high serum potassium. In fact, these drugs may be used to reduce the loss of potassium in people who are being treated with diuretics that tend to cause patients to lose potassium. ACE inhibitors have few side effects. One bothersome side effect, however, is a chronic cough.
The ACE inhibitors include :
Usually we prefer Monopril for hypertension in kidney failure patients.
For patients who develop a chronic cough on an ACE inhibitor,an ARB drug is a good substitute. ARB drugs work by blocking the angiotensin receptor (binder) on the arteries to which activated angiotensin 11 must bind to have its effects. As a result, the angiotensin is not able to work on the artery.
(angiotensin is a hormone that constricts the arteries.) The ARB drugs appear to have many of the same advantages as the ACE inhibitors but without the associated cough. Accordingly, they are also suitable as first line agents to treat hypertension. ARB drugs include losartan (Cozaar), irbesartan (Avapro), valsartan (Diovan), candesartan (Atacand), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and eprosartan (Teveten).
In patients who have high blood pressure symptoms / hypertension in addition to certain second diseases, a combination of an ACE inhibitor and an ARB drug may be effective in controlling the hypertension and also benefiting the second disease. For example, while treating hypertension, this combination of drugs can reduce the loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria) in certain kidney diseases and perhaps help strengthen the heart muscle in certain diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathies).
pottasium-high-blood-pressure
The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) drugs both affect the renin-angiotensin hormonal system, helps regulate the blood pressure. The ACE inhibitors work by blocking (inhibiting) an enzyme that converts the inactive form of angiotensin in the blood to its active form. The active form of angiotensin constricts or narrows the arteries, but the inactive form cannot. With an ACE inhibitor as a single drug treatment (monotherapy), 50 to 60 percent of Caucasians usually achieve good blood pressure control. African American patients may also respond, but they require higher doses and frequently do best when an ACE inhibitor is combined with a diuretic. (Diuretics are discussed below.)
As an added benefit, ACE inhibitors may reduce an enlarged heart (left ventricular hypertrophy) in patients with high blood pressure symptoms/ hypertension. These drugs also appear to slow the deterioration of kidney function in patients with hypertension and protein in the urine (proteinuria). Moreover, they have been particularly useful in slowing the progression of kidney dysfunction in hypertensive patients with kidney disease resulting from Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent).
Accordingly, ACE inhibitors usually are the first line drugs of choice to treat high blood pressure symptoms in cases that also involve congestive heart failure, chronic kidney failure in both diabetics and non-diabetics, and heart attack (myocardial infarction) that weakens the heart muscle (systolic dysfunction). ARB drugs are currently recommended for first line renal protection in diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease).
Patients who are treated with ACE inhibitors who also have kidney disease should be monitored for further deterioration in kidney function and high serum potassium. In fact, these drugs may be used to reduce the loss of potassium in people who are being treated with diuretics that tend to cause patients to lose potassium. ACE inhibitors have few side effects. One bothersome side effect, however, is a chronic cough.
The ACE inhibitors include :
- Enalapril (Vasotec, Renitec,Zepres),
- Captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Zestril and
- Prinivil, (Lame), benazepril (Lotensin), quinapril (Accupril), perindopril (Aceon), ramipril (Altace), trandolapril (Mavik), fosinopril (Monopril), and moexipril (Univasc ).
Usually we prefer Monopril for hypertension in kidney failure patients.
For patients who develop a chronic cough on an ACE inhibitor,an ARB drug is a good substitute. ARB drugs work by blocking the angiotensin receptor (binder) on the arteries to which activated angiotensin 11 must bind to have its effects. As a result, the angiotensin is not able to work on the artery.
(angiotensin is a hormone that constricts the arteries.) The ARB drugs appear to have many of the same advantages as the ACE inhibitors but without the associated cough. Accordingly, they are also suitable as first line agents to treat hypertension. ARB drugs include losartan (Cozaar), irbesartan (Avapro), valsartan (Diovan), candesartan (Atacand), olmesartan (Benicar), telmisartan (Micardis), and eprosartan (Teveten).
In patients who have high blood pressure symptoms / hypertension in addition to certain second diseases, a combination of an ACE inhibitor and an ARB drug may be effective in controlling the hypertension and also benefiting the second disease. For example, while treating hypertension, this combination of drugs can reduce the loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria) in certain kidney diseases and perhaps help strengthen the heart muscle in certain diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathies).
pottasium-high-blood-pressure
Emergency treatment of high blood pressure
In relation to high blood pressure symptoms, in a hospital setting, injectable drugs may be used for the emergency treatment of hypertension. The most commonly used agents in this situation are :
high-blood-pressure-drug-information
- sodium nitroprusside (Nipride, Isoket) and
- labetalol (Normodyne).
high-blood-pressure-drug-information
Foods to be avoided for high blood pressure
Here are some foods to be avoided for high blood pressure or if you have Hypertension.
High blood pressure if left unchecked results in increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and leads to target organ damage such as LVH, retinal changes and vascular changes. The main
objective in the management of hypertension is prevention of target organ damage and reduction of cardiovascular risk. The management requires a multi-prolonged approach. Although it is widely accepted that drug therapy is essential for optimal Blood pressure control, it should not be forgotten that nonpharmocological measures are also important in the management of hypertension.
What are the foods to be avoided in high blood pressure?
1. Alcohol
The association between alcohol and high blood pressure is well documented both in population and clinical studies. An Alcohol intake of about 80 g/day (Equivalent to four pints of beer) has been shown to raise Blood pressure particularly in patients of hypertension. Blood pressure tends to fall when alcohol is stopped or reduced and remains low in patients who continue to abstain. Patients with hypertension should avoid Alcohol. As alcohol can raise blood pressure directly, is also an important factor in damaging walls of blood vessels, which can elevate the blood pressure further and make it more difficult to treat, while at the same time increasing the risk of complications. Limit consumption of Alcohol to no more than two drinks per day in most men and one drink per day in women and lightweight men.
2. Salt
A restriction in dietary sodium intake can reduce the incidence of hypertension. Studies have shown that there is a clear relationship between dietary salt intake and Blood pressure and people who consume less salt have a smaller rise in Blood pressure with advancing age. Salt restriction to about 100mmol/day (2.4 gm sodium or 6 gm sodium chloride) has been shown to produce a significant reduction in systolic Blood pressure to about 8-14 mm Hg in several randomized placebo-controlled studies. In some people, eating too much salt can make blood pressure much worse and In other cases the same salt consumption may have no effect.
More salt intake will result in more retention of fluid by kidneys and this will lead to more preload on heart, that will result in more blood pressure. You should avoid salt in your diet if you really want to control your blood pressure. If you are already a patient of hypertension, then reduce salt in your diet as it just accentuates the problem.
You can lower your blood pressure to a great extent if you reduce salt consumption in your diet. You should not have more than 6 grams (100mmol/day) of salt per day. Pizza, canned foods, frozen diners, broths, canned soups and salad dressings have high sodium so try to avoid these foods. If you are non-vegetarian then make sure you are including white meat like chicken and fish rather than red meat in your diet.
3. Fats
Food that is rich in fats should be avoided. Foods High in Fat are as follows
Fats and oils (like margarine, vegetable oils, butter, lard, salt pork, meat drippings, gravy, and
fat back) Cream, ice cream, Whole milk, 2% milk.
Most pies, pastries, cakes.
Most cheeses (like cream cheese, cheddar, American)
Many snack foods (like nuts and chips)
Fatty meats (like corned beef, regular ground beef, ribs, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, salami,)
Fried foods (like French fries and fried chicken)
Most cookies contain high fat content
Many fast foods are also rich in fats
Saturated fats are not good for heart and blood vessels. Low density lipoprotein LDL is main factor which causes thickening of blood vessels so causing extra strain on blood vessels in patients of high blood pressure.
The balanced high blood pressure diet should include mild amounts of saturated and trans-fats (red meat, fast food), and moderate amounts of other fats (olive oil and canola oil).
4- Caffeine Intake:
The evidence from the literature is rather conflicting and the effects of caffeine seem to depend on multiple variables such as daily dose, preexisting Blood pressure and coffee drinking habits. The ingestion of 250mg of caffeine has been shown to cause an increase in systolic blood pressure ranging from 6mm of hg in normal individuals to 10 mm hg in patients with hypertension and an increase in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm hg in normal individuals to 8.5 mm Hg in patients of hypertension. The food prevention above is of utmost importance to reduce High Blood Pressure.
High blood pressure if left unchecked results in increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and leads to target organ damage such as LVH, retinal changes and vascular changes. The main
objective in the management of hypertension is prevention of target organ damage and reduction of cardiovascular risk. The management requires a multi-prolonged approach. Although it is widely accepted that drug therapy is essential for optimal Blood pressure control, it should not be forgotten that nonpharmocological measures are also important in the management of hypertension.
What are the foods to be avoided in high blood pressure?
1. Alcohol
The association between alcohol and high blood pressure is well documented both in population and clinical studies. An Alcohol intake of about 80 g/day (Equivalent to four pints of beer) has been shown to raise Blood pressure particularly in patients of hypertension. Blood pressure tends to fall when alcohol is stopped or reduced and remains low in patients who continue to abstain. Patients with hypertension should avoid Alcohol. As alcohol can raise blood pressure directly, is also an important factor in damaging walls of blood vessels, which can elevate the blood pressure further and make it more difficult to treat, while at the same time increasing the risk of complications. Limit consumption of Alcohol to no more than two drinks per day in most men and one drink per day in women and lightweight men.
2. Salt
A restriction in dietary sodium intake can reduce the incidence of hypertension. Studies have shown that there is a clear relationship between dietary salt intake and Blood pressure and people who consume less salt have a smaller rise in Blood pressure with advancing age. Salt restriction to about 100mmol/day (2.4 gm sodium or 6 gm sodium chloride) has been shown to produce a significant reduction in systolic Blood pressure to about 8-14 mm Hg in several randomized placebo-controlled studies. In some people, eating too much salt can make blood pressure much worse and In other cases the same salt consumption may have no effect.
More salt intake will result in more retention of fluid by kidneys and this will lead to more preload on heart, that will result in more blood pressure. You should avoid salt in your diet if you really want to control your blood pressure. If you are already a patient of hypertension, then reduce salt in your diet as it just accentuates the problem.
You can lower your blood pressure to a great extent if you reduce salt consumption in your diet. You should not have more than 6 grams (100mmol/day) of salt per day. Pizza, canned foods, frozen diners, broths, canned soups and salad dressings have high sodium so try to avoid these foods. If you are non-vegetarian then make sure you are including white meat like chicken and fish rather than red meat in your diet.
3. Fats
Food that is rich in fats should be avoided. Foods High in Fat are as follows
Fats and oils (like margarine, vegetable oils, butter, lard, salt pork, meat drippings, gravy, and
fat back) Cream, ice cream, Whole milk, 2% milk.
Most pies, pastries, cakes.
Most cheeses (like cream cheese, cheddar, American)
Many snack foods (like nuts and chips)
Fatty meats (like corned beef, regular ground beef, ribs, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, salami,)
Fried foods (like French fries and fried chicken)
Most cookies contain high fat content
Many fast foods are also rich in fats
Saturated fats are not good for heart and blood vessels. Low density lipoprotein LDL is main factor which causes thickening of blood vessels so causing extra strain on blood vessels in patients of high blood pressure.
The balanced high blood pressure diet should include mild amounts of saturated and trans-fats (red meat, fast food), and moderate amounts of other fats (olive oil and canola oil).
4- Caffeine Intake:
The evidence from the literature is rather conflicting and the effects of caffeine seem to depend on multiple variables such as daily dose, preexisting Blood pressure and coffee drinking habits. The ingestion of 250mg of caffeine has been shown to cause an increase in systolic blood pressure ranging from 6mm of hg in normal individuals to 10 mm hg in patients with hypertension and an increase in diastolic blood pressure of 5 mm hg in normal individuals to 8.5 mm Hg in patients of hypertension. The food prevention above is of utmost importance to reduce High Blood Pressure.
Signs of Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
What is difference between sign and symptom. A Symptom is everything that patients tell to a Doctor, and Signs is everything that a Doctor see in a patient. Now what are signs of Hypertension.
In majority of patients the only sign is High Blood pressure. However, Examination of Retina of Eye may reveal various abnormalities which are known as Keith- Wagener Retinal changes. These changes in retinal arteries are devided into 4 grades depending upon tortuosity of retinal arteries, arteriovenous nipping, haemorrhages, and papilloedema. The presence of heamorrages, exudates or papilloedema is diagnostic of Malignant Hypertension which requires urgent treatment.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because you can have it for years without knowing it. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure measured.
Using a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope or electronic sensor, your doctor or nurse can take
your blood pressure and tell you if it is high.
In majority of patients the only sign is High Blood pressure. However, Examination of Retina of Eye may reveal various abnormalities which are known as Keith- Wagener Retinal changes. These changes in retinal arteries are devided into 4 grades depending upon tortuosity of retinal arteries, arteriovenous nipping, haemorrhages, and papilloedema. The presence of heamorrages, exudates or papilloedema is diagnostic of Malignant Hypertension which requires urgent treatment.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because you can have it for years without knowing it. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure measured.
Using a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope or electronic sensor, your doctor or nurse can take
your blood pressure and tell you if it is high.
Stethoscopes and Measuring Blood Pressure
Leading medical professionals continually argue which method of taking blood pressure is "best". The standard image of the hospital Doctor wearing a stethoscope around his neck often comes to mind but there are other methods of taking blood pressure readings than the traditional ones that don't rely manually listening to the pulse during testing
Not so long ago the consensus was that wrist monitors were not satisfactorily accurate nor consistent - however with improved technologies such as Advanced Positioning which assists users to maintain the correct level to the heart their reliability is becoming acknowledged.
For many years the British Hypertension Society and Blood Pressure Organisation have promoted automatic upper arm machines. These digital monitors automatically inflate and deflate the cuff and have built in sensors to take the readings when the pulse stops and restarts. The sensors are considered to be much more accurate than the human hearing through a stethoscope.
Many medical schools still insist that students train to take blood pressure with traditional aneroid equipment that includes a cuff, an attached pump, a stethoscope and a gauge which stands them in good stead for their careers - see this video using a stethoscope
Posts on the student doctors' forum show the preference for Littmann Stethoscopes - in particular the added value of the Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope which is highly sensitive and only the users impaired hearing would render this unsuitable for measuring blood pressure in the "old fashioned" way.
As one commenter said - "why risk a $200,000 education by saving $20? Cutting Corners when buying a stethoscope is a big mistake."
Often the schools have close relationships with the local suppliers where student go to get their stethoscopes when starting their course. It can be a daunting task choosing a new stethoscope but with some research suitable models can be found online and even price comparison sites now have feeds from many leading medical supply stores - alternatively try specialist shops such as Medisave in the UK or Medisave USA
Monday, August 18, 2008
Causes of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
In 90 to 95 percent of high blood pressure symptoms cases, the cause is unknown. In fact, you can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. That's why it's the “silent killer” When the cause is unknown, you have what's called essential or primary hypertension. In the remaining 5% or less of people with elevated blood pressure, a specific cause is known, and they are considered to have "secondary hypertension."
Examples of causes of secondary hypertension include kidney failure, narrowing of the arteries to the kidneys, and various hormonal conditions. These problems can usually be corrected. For example, doctors can repair a narrowed artery that supplies blood to a kidney. Most of these problems can be ruled out by a careful history, a physical examination and a few tests. Special tests are sometimes needed, but you don't usually have to stay in the hospital.
Over 95% of people with elevated blood pressure have "essential hypertension." This
means that the specific cause of their hypertension is not known. It is likely that both genetic (inherited) and environmental factors, such as your diet, play a role. The ways that all of the contributing factors interact to elevate blood pressure are not necessarily the same for each person. In addition, most of the genetic causes of hypertension are still a matter of research. Therefore, for the time being, most patients with high blood pressure are considered to have "essential hypertension."
Does Age Affect a Person's Risk of Having Hypertension?
Hypertension, in particular the type that selectively increases systolic blood pressure (the "top" number), becomes steadily more common with advancing age. Older the patient, more will be the chances of hypertension
Is Hypertension Genetic?
For the vast majority of hypertensive patients, there is no one gene passed on (inherited) from parent to child that is responsible for high blood pressure. More likely, there are many different genes that interact with each other and the environment to produce high blood pressure. Therefore, inheritance predisposes a person to high blood pressure symptoms , but hypertension might only occur with the addition of one or more environmental factors. But it is possible that Hypertension may run in Families.
So Family history is also significant of a hypertensive patient addition, African
Americans are more prone as a group to develop hypertension and develop it at a younger
age than those of other races or heritage.
Does a High Salt Diet Cause Hypertension?
It has been known for a long time that societies with diets high in salt experience more hypertension and the associated complications of heart attack, stroke, and organ damage. It is not known, however, if increased salt is itself responsible for elevated blood pressure. It might be, for example, that people from societies with increased salt intake may also have some other dietary factors or an inherited factor that is responsible for their hypertension. Most physicians do not believe that high salt intake alone causes hypertension, but they do believe it plays an important role. The most likely explanation is that there are other environmental and genetic factors that along with high salt intake all work together to cause hypertension. More salt you
take, your kidneys will retain more water inside body, resulting in increased blood pressure.
Does Alcohol Consumption Cause High Blood Pressure?
Although the media has widely publicized the beneficial effects of alcohol on the heart, it must be remembered that this applies only to moderate alcohol intake. People who have more than two drinks per day are much more likely to have sustained elevations in blood pressure than nondrinkers. Alcohol may therefore be an unrecognized cause of hypertension in a large number of moderate to heavy drinkers.
Does Obesity Cause Hypertension?
The reasons why obesity may lead to hypertension are not completely understood, but
weight reduction in obese patients definitely lowers blood pressure. The benefits of even a modest reduction in weight are multiple: reduction or elimination of blood pressure medications, improvement in cholesterol levels, and decreased risk of heart attack. Unfortunately, as many patients can attest, weight reduction is easy to recommend but difficult to achieve and maintain. A daily exercise program, a strong social support system, and initially modest goals for weight loss are all required for long-term success.
Does Emotional Stress or Caffeine Cause High Blood Pressure?
Emotional stress, in the short term, can elevate the blood pressure. However, it does not cause a persistent elevation in blood pressure and therefore does not cause true hypertension with its associated consequences. Relaxation therapies and biofeedback may offer other benefits, but they have not been shown to prevent the development of hypertension or significantly lower blood pressure.
Similarly, caffeine may raise the blood pressure in the short term (and should not be
ingested immedia11:40 AM 8/19/2008tely before a doctor checks your blood pressure). However, tolerance to caffeine develops quickly, and any blood pressure elevation is not sustained.
All of this information is the probable cause of high blood pressure symptoms.
what-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-high blood pressure ?
Over 95% of people with elevated blood pressure have "essential hypertension." This
means that the specific cause of their hypertension is not known. It is likely that both genetic (inherited) and environmental factors, such as your diet, play a role. The ways that all of the contributing factors interact to elevate blood pressure are not necessarily the same for each person. In addition, most of the genetic causes of hypertension are still a matter of research. Therefore, for the time being, most patients with high blood pressure are considered to have "essential hypertension."
Does Age Affect a Person's Risk of Having Hypertension?
Hypertension, in particular the type that selectively increases systolic blood pressure (the "top" number), becomes steadily more common with advancing age. Older the patient, more will be the chances of hypertension
Is Hypertension Genetic?
For the vast majority of hypertensive patients, there is no one gene passed on (inherited) from parent to child that is responsible for high blood pressure. More likely, there are many different genes that interact with each other and the environment to produce high blood pressure. Therefore, inheritance predisposes a person to high blood pressure symptoms , but hypertension might only occur with the addition of one or more environmental factors. But it is possible that Hypertension may run in Families.
So Family history is also significant of a hypertensive patient addition, African
Americans are more prone as a group to develop hypertension and develop it at a younger
age than those of other races or heritage.
Does a High Salt Diet Cause Hypertension?
It has been known for a long time that societies with diets high in salt experience more hypertension and the associated complications of heart attack, stroke, and organ damage. It is not known, however, if increased salt is itself responsible for elevated blood pressure. It might be, for example, that people from societies with increased salt intake may also have some other dietary factors or an inherited factor that is responsible for their hypertension. Most physicians do not believe that high salt intake alone causes hypertension, but they do believe it plays an important role. The most likely explanation is that there are other environmental and genetic factors that along with high salt intake all work together to cause hypertension. More salt you
take, your kidneys will retain more water inside body, resulting in increased blood pressure.
Does Alcohol Consumption Cause High Blood Pressure?
Although the media has widely publicized the beneficial effects of alcohol on the heart, it must be remembered that this applies only to moderate alcohol intake. People who have more than two drinks per day are much more likely to have sustained elevations in blood pressure than nondrinkers. Alcohol may therefore be an unrecognized cause of hypertension in a large number of moderate to heavy drinkers.
Does Obesity Cause Hypertension?
The reasons why obesity may lead to hypertension are not completely understood, but
weight reduction in obese patients definitely lowers blood pressure. The benefits of even a modest reduction in weight are multiple: reduction or elimination of blood pressure medications, improvement in cholesterol levels, and decreased risk of heart attack. Unfortunately, as many patients can attest, weight reduction is easy to recommend but difficult to achieve and maintain. A daily exercise program, a strong social support system, and initially modest goals for weight loss are all required for long-term success.
Does Emotional Stress or Caffeine Cause High Blood Pressure?
Emotional stress, in the short term, can elevate the blood pressure. However, it does not cause a persistent elevation in blood pressure and therefore does not cause true hypertension with its associated consequences. Relaxation therapies and biofeedback may offer other benefits, but they have not been shown to prevent the development of hypertension or significantly lower blood pressure.
Similarly, caffeine may raise the blood pressure in the short term (and should not be
ingested immedia11:40 AM 8/19/2008tely before a doctor checks your blood pressure). However, tolerance to caffeine develops quickly, and any blood pressure elevation is not sustained.
All of this information is the probable cause of high blood pressure symptoms.
what-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-high blood pressure ?
Blood Pressure Chart
Hypertension or high blood pressure may be divided into three types in Blood Pressure Chart:
Mild Hypertension: The systollic blood pressure ranges between 140 and 160 and the diastolic blood pressure ranges between 90 and 100.
Moderate Hypertension: The systollic blood pressure ranges between 160 and 200 and the diastolic blood pressure ranges between 100 and 120.
Severe Hypertension: The systollic blood pressure is above 200 and the diastolic blood pressure is above 120.
Values are all in mm of Hg
Level of Severity Systolic Blood Pressure Diastolic Blood pressure
Average Blood Pressure
For young people – 120/80 mmHg
For old people – 140/90 mmHg
Blood Pressure Classification Chart
Category Systolic (mm Hg) Diastolic (mm Hg)
Normal Lower than 120 Lower than 80
Prehypertension 120 - 139 80 - 89
Hypertension
Stage 1 140-159 90-99
Stage 2 160 or higher 100 or higher
signs-of-hypertension-or-high-blood pressure
Mild Hypertension: The systollic blood pressure ranges between 140 and 160 and the diastolic blood pressure ranges between 90 and 100.
Moderate Hypertension: The systollic blood pressure ranges between 160 and 200 and the diastolic blood pressure ranges between 100 and 120.
Severe Hypertension: The systollic blood pressure is above 200 and the diastolic blood pressure is above 120.
Values are all in mm of Hg
Level of Severity Systolic Blood Pressure Diastolic Blood pressure
- Mild Hypertension 140-160 90-100
- Moderate Hypertension 160-200 100-120
- Severe Hypertension Above 200 Above 200
Average Blood Pressure
For young people – 120/80 mmHg
For old people – 140/90 mmHg
Blood Pressure Classification Chart
Category Systolic (mm Hg) Diastolic (mm Hg)
Normal Lower than 120 Lower than 80
Prehypertension 120 - 139 80 - 89
Hypertension
Stage 1 140-159 90-99
Stage 2 160 or higher 100 or higher
signs-of-hypertension-or-high-blood pressure
Types of High Blood Pressure
There are two main types of high blood pressure.
Most people with high blood pressure - 95% - have what's called primary or essential hypertension. This means that there's no single clear cause of it.
Although there is no specific cause of essential hypertension, But you are also more likely to develop hypertension if you: are obese (very overweight) drink a lot of alcohol eat a lot of salt are under a lot of stress have stron family history.
Secondary hypertension
You may be among the other 5% of people with high blood pressure who have what's known as secondary hypertension. This means your condition can be linked to a recognised cause - in fact, it may be a symptom of another underlying disease.
treatment-of-high-blood-pressure
- Primary or Essential Hypertension
- Secondary Hypertension.
Most people with high blood pressure - 95% - have what's called primary or essential hypertension. This means that there's no single clear cause of it.
Although there is no specific cause of essential hypertension, But you are also more likely to develop hypertension if you: are obese (very overweight) drink a lot of alcohol eat a lot of salt are under a lot of stress have stron family history.
Secondary hypertension
You may be among the other 5% of people with high blood pressure who have what's known as secondary hypertension. This means your condition can be linked to a recognised cause - in fact, it may be a symptom of another underlying disease.
Secondary hypertension can be caused by:
- kidney disease
- adrenal gland disease
- narrowing of the aorta (Coarctation)
treatment-of-high-blood-pressure
Managing Hypertension with DASH Diet
In relation to high blood pressure symptoms, what you eat can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease. One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet reduced blood pressure.
This diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat and emphasizes fruits, vegetables,
and low-fat dairy products. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , showed that the DASH diet also reduces blood levels of homocysteine. High levels of this amino acid may increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other vascular diseases.
A third DASH study that also limited sodium (salt) showed even more dramatic reductions
in blood pressure, especially in people with hypertension. It was published in the
Annals of Internal Medicine.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), blood pressure can
be unhealthy even if it stays only slightly above 120/80 mm Hg. The higher above that
level, the greater your health risk. Over time, high blood pressure makes the heart
work too hard, which can cause stroke, hardening of the arteries, heart failure, kidney
disease, even blindness.
Why this diet works?
Why is the DASH diet so effective at reducing high blood pressure? Because it combines many nutrients that have been shown to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. Those nutrients include calcium, potassium, magnesium, protein, and fiber, as well as lower total fat and saturated fat.
Each of those nutrients alone may not have significant enough impact on blood pressure
to be detected in a study but if they're together in a whole dietary pattern, such as DASH, their benefits may be additive and more likely to be detected.
In fact, studies have shown that if you leave out dairy products and just take calcium
supplements, for example, you don't get the same effect on blood pressure.
The DASH diet is naturally low in salt. Recipes for the meals in the DASH diet program have a maximum of 2,400 mg of salt/sodium a day.
Further, following the DASH diet may delay the need to take hypertension medication or
prevent you from needing to take it at all. And if you're already on medication, it may
help you reduce the amount you take.
Although hypertensive medications have been proven to be effective at lowering blood
pressure, having to take them isn't a panacea.
Most people don't realize that even if the medication they take lowers their blood
pressure to a range that's acceptable, their risk for stroke and heart disease is still
higher than people who can control their blood pressure with their diet and lifestyle.
Doing the DASHThe DASH diet is a 2,000-calorie diet that includes:
It is a healthy diet for the whole family, and it's not hard to follow. Just take one small step at a time, and gradually you'll reach your goal. Still, there are aspects to the DASH diet that may not be easy to replicate. For one, it's packed with dark-colored fruits and vegetables, so be prepared to be choosier at the supermarket. Also, if it's vastly different from what you normally eat, it may be hard to adjust.
Moving forward
If you decide to go it alone, adopt the DASH diet gradually. By doing so, you'll be more apt to stick to it long-term. For example, add one more serving of vegetables at lunch and dinner if you only eat one or two servings a day now, or add fruit to meals and snacks if you now only have juice for breakfast. In addition, slowly increase your dairy products to three servings per
day— try drinking skim milk with lunch or dinner instead of soda, alcohol, or tea.
To maximize the impact of the DASH, lose weight if you need to and exercise regularly.
Thirty minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or golf
[if you walk], four to five days a week is a good recommendation for most people.
what-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-high blood pressure ?
This diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat and emphasizes fruits, vegetables,
and low-fat dairy products. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association , showed that the DASH diet also reduces blood levels of homocysteine. High levels of this amino acid may increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other vascular diseases.
A third DASH study that also limited sodium (salt) showed even more dramatic reductions
in blood pressure, especially in people with hypertension. It was published in the
Annals of Internal Medicine.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), blood pressure can
be unhealthy even if it stays only slightly above 120/80 mm Hg. The higher above that
level, the greater your health risk. Over time, high blood pressure makes the heart
work too hard, which can cause stroke, hardening of the arteries, heart failure, kidney
disease, even blindness.
Why this diet works?
Why is the DASH diet so effective at reducing high blood pressure? Because it combines many nutrients that have been shown to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. Those nutrients include calcium, potassium, magnesium, protein, and fiber, as well as lower total fat and saturated fat.
Each of those nutrients alone may not have significant enough impact on blood pressure
to be detected in a study but if they're together in a whole dietary pattern, such as DASH, their benefits may be additive and more likely to be detected.
In fact, studies have shown that if you leave out dairy products and just take calcium
supplements, for example, you don't get the same effect on blood pressure.
The DASH diet is naturally low in salt. Recipes for the meals in the DASH diet program have a maximum of 2,400 mg of salt/sodium a day.
Further, following the DASH diet may delay the need to take hypertension medication or
prevent you from needing to take it at all. And if you're already on medication, it may
help you reduce the amount you take.
Although hypertensive medications have been proven to be effective at lowering blood
pressure, having to take them isn't a panacea.
Most people don't realize that even if the medication they take lowers their blood
pressure to a range that's acceptable, their risk for stroke and heart disease is still
higher than people who can control their blood pressure with their diet and lifestyle.
Doing the DASHThe DASH diet is a 2,000-calorie diet that includes:
- Seven to eight daily servings of grains and grain products, such as whole-wheat bread,
cereal, oatmeal, crackers, unsalted pretzels, and popcorn. - A serving size is 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of ready-to-eat cereal, or a half-cup of rice, pasta, or cereal.
Four to five daily servings of vegetables, the darker in color, the better. - A serving size is 1 cup of raw leafy vegetable, half-cup of cooked vegetables, or 6 ounces of
vegetable juice. - Four to five daily servings of fruit. A serving is 1 medium fruit, quarter-cup of dried
fruit, half-cup of fresh, frozen or canned fruit, or 6 ounces of fruit juice. - Two or three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products. A serving is 8 ounces of milk, 1 cup of yogurt, or 1-1/2 ounces of cheese.
- Two or fewer daily servings of lean meat, poultry, or fish. A serving is 3 ounces of cooked meats, skinless poultry, or fish.
- Four to five servings per week of nuts, seeds, and dry beans. A serving is one-third cup or 1-1/2 ounces of nuts, 1 tablespoon or half-ounce of seeds, or half-cup cooked dried beans.
- Two to three small daily servings of fats and oils, such as olive oil and low-fat salad dressing. A serving is 1 teaspoon soft margarine, 1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons light salad dressing, or 1 teaspoon vegetable oil.
- Five servings per week of sweets, such as maple syrup, sorbet, or gelatin. A serving is 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon jelly or jam, half-ounce jellybeans, or 8 ounces of lemonade.
It is a healthy diet for the whole family, and it's not hard to follow. Just take one small step at a time, and gradually you'll reach your goal. Still, there are aspects to the DASH diet that may not be easy to replicate. For one, it's packed with dark-colored fruits and vegetables, so be prepared to be choosier at the supermarket. Also, if it's vastly different from what you normally eat, it may be hard to adjust.
Moving forward
If you decide to go it alone, adopt the DASH diet gradually. By doing so, you'll be more apt to stick to it long-term. For example, add one more serving of vegetables at lunch and dinner if you only eat one or two servings a day now, or add fruit to meals and snacks if you now only have juice for breakfast. In addition, slowly increase your dairy products to three servings per
day— try drinking skim milk with lunch or dinner instead of soda, alcohol, or tea.
To maximize the impact of the DASH, lose weight if you need to and exercise regularly.
Thirty minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or golf
[if you walk], four to five days a week is a good recommendation for most people.
what-are-signs-and-symptoms-of-high blood pressure ?
Exercise to Ease High Blood Pressure
In relation to high blood pressure symptoms Exercise is the most underrated health precaution anyone, even those with chronic conditions, can take. By not being physically active after recovering from a heart attack, or being diagnosed with arthritis, you set in motion a downward spiral of de-conditioning, loss of function and the possibility of exacerbating your condition and bringing on others.
Depending on your diagnosis, you need to be careful about how or when you exercise and
the kinds of activities you do.With any of these conditions (arthritis, heart disease or diabetes), be sure to get your doctor's approval before starting an exercise program.
Avoid exercise on days you have any breathing difficulties before starting. A slight wheeze can turn into an attack when you increase your exposure to an asthma trigger such as exercise.
Warm up for five to 10 minutes by walking or lightly jogging; warming up your muscles (and your lungs) can reduce your chance for an attack. Similarly, cool down afterward for 10 minutes by walking and stretching to gradually change the temperature and humidity in your airways. Abruptly stopping can lead to an attack.
Exercise inside when it's cold out. In fact, it is the movement of cold air in and out of your lungs that causes exercise-induced asthma, not the exercise itself. In the winter, consider switching your venue to a gym or swimming pool rather than a track.
You're less likely to have an attack in a controlled environment, provided it doesn't have other asthma triggers, such as dust, dust mites, animal dander and air pollutants.
If you exercise outside when it's cold, keep your exercise time to a minimum and wear a scarf over your mouth and nose. In the warmer months, avoid exercising outdoors when air pollution is in the “yellow” or “red” zone. Air pollution, whether in the form of ozone or other gases or particulates, can bring on an asthma attack.
Exercise for arthritis
Regular, moderate exercise offers a host of benefits to people with arthritis. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscle around the joints and increases flexibility and endurance. But it also helps promote overall health and fitness by giving you more energy, helping you sleep better, controlling your weight, decreasing depression and giving you more self-esteem. Exercise can help stave off other health problems such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
Consider stretching every day if your arthritic condition isn't marked by extreme joint
deterioration. Stretching can help maintain your range of motion, which is important
for doing everyday activities.
Consider swimming instead of a weight-bearing workout, such as jogging, especially
during arthritis flare-ups.
Other good reasons to swim or exercise in water:
- The warm water of a heated pool is soothing, as well as buoyant.
- Warm water raises your body temperature, dilating your blood vessels and increasing
circulation. - If you use a spa, the jet nozzles massage your muscles and help you relax.
You also might try cycling, yoga and Pilates for hips, knees and shoulders --
activities that strengthen muscles surrounding an ailing joint.
Lessen the impact of diabetes Exercise can help manage diabetes because it helps lower circulating blood glucose levels, reduce cholesterol and improve circulation. It even may eliminate your need for diabetes medication. Diabetes may make the feet slower to heal if they are injured and more susceptible to infection. Replace shoes as soon as they begin to wear out. Consult your doctor if you see blisters or redness on your feet.
If you have type 2 diabetes and take oral hypoglycemic medication or insulin, don't exercise in the late afternoon or evening to avoid nocturnal hypoglycemia, a dangerous drop in blood sugar during sleep that can lead to coma. Be sure to eat something 30 to 60 minutes before an exercise session to boost your blood sugar slightly.Monitor your blood sugar before and after working out to make sure it stays within normal ranges.
Cutting heart attack riskIf you have coronary artery disease, regular exercise can decrease the risk for a heart attack by reducing glucose intolerance, elevated triglyceride levels and elevated blood pressure, and by increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Lowering each of these risk factors is important because having coronary artery disease puts you at increased risk for a heart attack, heart failure or abnormalities of the heart. But you shouldn't do it alone.
Anyone who has had a heart attack or has heart disease should enroll in a cardiac rehabilitation program -- a supervised exercise program for cardiac patients. Through a cardiac rehab program, you can learn what you should and shouldn't do, and the signs to look for that may indicate you're getting into trouble.
types-of-high-blood-pressure
How Weight Affects Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common chronic adult illness in the United States. There is no cure for high blood pressure, but it can be controlled.
High blood pressure is one of the three major controllable risk factors for
cardiovascular disease (risk relates not only to how high your blood pressure is but also to how long it has been raised).
Controlling your blood pressure can also reduce your risk of kidney disease. The sooner your blood pressure is controlled, the less you risk future problems.
CausesHigh blood pressure can be hereditary. It can also be caused by a number of lifestyle
factors, such as being overweight, smoking, or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. A small number of people have secondary hypertension, which is high blood pressure caused by organ problems, disease or medications.
Treatment
Two numbers are used to measure your blood pressure: for example, 130 (systolic) over 85 (diastolic). The higher number, the systolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside
the artery when the heart squeezes to pump blood through the body. The lower number,
the diastolic pressure, refers to the pressure inside the artery when the heart is
relaxed and filling with blood. You have hypertension if your systolic pressure is
consistently 140 or greater and/or your diastolic pressure is consistently 90 or
greater.
Treatment decisions are based on your blood pressure measurement, presence or absence
of heart or kidney damage, and presence of other risk factors. Your doctor may give you
medications right away or may try a period of lifestyle changes (such as regular
exercise or change in diet) for up to 1 year. Depending on your treatment plan and
medications prescribed, your doctor will tell you how often to have your blood pressure
checked.
Self-Care Steps for High Blood PressureReduce high blood pressure and cardiovascular risks by:
Losing weight.
Being overweight increases your risk of developing high blood pressure.
A weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds can lower and help control blood pressure. Weight loss can also decrease blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. Weight loss is the most effective method for controlling hypertension without medication.
Exercising regularly.
Regular aerobic exercise -- such as walking, running, bicycling, or swimming laps -- can prevent and reduce high blood pressure. More activity can also help reduce weight and stress. Experts recommend 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise as many days of the week as possible.
Controlling salt in your diet.
Limit sodium to less than 2400 milligrams per day by not adding salt to food, and limiting processed, convenience, and fast foods.
Limiting alcohol.
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure, add weight, and
make blood pressure control more difficult. Avoid alcohol or limit yourself to two
drinks a day for men, and one drink a day for women. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of
beer, 4 ounces of wine, or 1 ounce of 100-proof liquor.
Increasing potassium intake.
A high intake of potassium may improve your blood pressure control. Not getting enough potassium may actually increase blood pressure. Many fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium -- try to eat at least five servings a day.
Quit smoking.
Smoking cigarettes does not cause chronic high blood pressure, but smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Eating less fat.
Evidence shows a low-fat diet may lower blood cholesterol and the risk for coronary artery disease. Eating less fat will also aid in weight loss.
Taking your medications.
If your doctor prescribes medication, take it as directed. Discuss any side effects or reactions you experience with your doctor. Do not stop taking medications without talking to your doctor.
Seeing your doctor regularly.
After your blood pressure is controlled, you should continue to have it checked regularly. There usually are not symptoms to tell you if your blood pressure is elevated. See your doctor at least once a year to make sure your blood pressure is under control.
To confirm a high blood pressure symptoms/ hypertension diagnosis, your doctor will need blood pressure readings from
two or more visits. The data below outlines blood pressure classifications and the different stages of hypertension.
What the numbers mean:
Blood pressure classifications for adults age 18 years and older
Category Systolic (Top Number) Diastolic (Bottom Number)
- Normal <120>
- Prehypertension 120-139 or 80-89
- Stage 1 hypertension 140-159 or 90-99
- Stage 2 hypertension 160 or greater or 100 or greater
treatment-of-high-blood-pressure
How to Manage High Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure or hypertension can be a little frightening. But the problem
can be effectively treated and managed, so you don't have to be afraid.
If you're one of the millions of Americans with high blood pressure, you need to try to control it. Doing so will reduce your risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other serious illness caused by the condition.
Fortunately, by simply doing the things your doctor recommends, you can lower your blood pressure and your health risks.
Medication musts
If you're on medication, be patient. Give yourself a chance to adjust to a drug, even though it may take several weeks. Work with your doctor until you find the right drug combination that works for you . If you have side effects, tell your doctor -- don't stop taking your medication.
Never skip a dose. Keep taking your medicine even when you feel well.
Healthy lifestyle
Keep in shape. Eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise will help your medicines do their job and help you manage your weight. If you're overweight, losing weight will help you control your blood pressure.
Don't smoke.
Smoking increases your chance of having a heart attack, stroke or other
serious health problem. Each cigarette also temporarily increases your blood pressure.
The effect is not long lasting, but if you’re smoking a pack a day, the effect happens
20 times per day. That works out to about two hours of elevated blood pressure a day
from smoking.
Follow the DASH diet by eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day,
as well as two to four servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
Use less salt.
Don't use salt during cooking; try a salt-free seasoning substitute instead. Don't salt food before you taste it. Substitute herbs and spices as flavoring. Eat fewer salty foods, such as potato and corn chips, luncheon meat, hot dogs, dill pickles and canned foods.
If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than one drink a day (for
women) or two drinks a day (for men).
Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as a brisk walk, on most days
of the week.
High blood pressure will not go away on its own, and if you return to your old habits
or stop taking medication, it can go back up. Controlling your blood pressure is something you need to continue forever -- and you can do it. It's a lifelong task that can make your life longer and help you avoid conditions that can cause disabilities, such as a stroke or heart attack.
can be effectively treated and managed, so you don't have to be afraid.
If you're one of the millions of Americans with high blood pressure, you need to try to control it. Doing so will reduce your risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other serious illness caused by the condition.
Fortunately, by simply doing the things your doctor recommends, you can lower your blood pressure and your health risks.
Medication musts
If you're on medication, be patient. Give yourself a chance to adjust to a drug, even though it may take several weeks. Work with your doctor until you find the right drug combination that works for you . If you have side effects, tell your doctor -- don't stop taking your medication.
Never skip a dose. Keep taking your medicine even when you feel well.
Healthy lifestyle
Keep in shape. Eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise will help your medicines do their job and help you manage your weight. If you're overweight, losing weight will help you control your blood pressure.
Don't smoke.
Smoking increases your chance of having a heart attack, stroke or other
serious health problem. Each cigarette also temporarily increases your blood pressure.
The effect is not long lasting, but if you’re smoking a pack a day, the effect happens
20 times per day. That works out to about two hours of elevated blood pressure a day
from smoking.
Follow the DASH diet by eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day,
as well as two to four servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
Use less salt.
Don't use salt during cooking; try a salt-free seasoning substitute instead. Don't salt food before you taste it. Substitute herbs and spices as flavoring. Eat fewer salty foods, such as potato and corn chips, luncheon meat, hot dogs, dill pickles and canned foods.
If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than one drink a day (for
women) or two drinks a day (for men).
Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as a brisk walk, on most days
of the week.
High blood pressure will not go away on its own, and if you return to your old habits
or stop taking medication, it can go back up. Controlling your blood pressure is something you need to continue forever -- and you can do it. It's a lifelong task that can make your life longer and help you avoid conditions that can cause disabilities, such as a stroke or heart attack.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Preventing Dementia with Blood Pressure Treatment
Recent news has raised expectations that a side effect of taking some blood pressure medicines is that certain drugs have been identified as helping to prevent dementia - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7492959.stmResearch has found a definite link between high blood pressure and dementia. A study published in Lancet Neurology journal by an Imperial College medical research team suggests that treatment for high blood pressure will reduce this by 15%.
Controlling blood pressure from middle-age onwards may dramatically reduce the chances of developing dementia, researchers have said.
Two studies support a link between high blood pressure and dementia risk - with one by an Imperial College London team suggesting treatment could cut this.
In the UK at least one in three people aged over 55 has high blood pressure that remains undiagnosed or untreated. the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured with a blood pressure monitor
Of course it is crucial that efforts to detect and treat high blood pressure to reduce stroke and heart disease are increased, even without the additional results on dementia.
Recent announcements that one of the jobs UK doctors least enjoy - taking blood pressure - can now be done by patients themselves with pants that measure blood pressure and using mobile broadband technology should mean more and more people maintaining a healthy lifestyle and knowing their blood pressure readings.
The trial was stopped early after the benefits of treatment in terms of reducing strokes and heart disease were so obvious it became unethical to deny them to everyone.
Although this meant that no benefits in terms of dementia could be found, when these results were combined with other similar studies in different age groups, the incidence of dementia was 13% lower in the treated groups.
The precise reasons why high blood pressure might increase the risk of dementia are not fully understood. Many medical professionals believe that it can starve the brain of oxygen which is carried by the blood flow to the brain.
Those with restricted blood flow are often described as having "vascular dementia", and account for around 25% of dementia patients.
Other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, have no obvious link to blood flow, but some experts think that blood pressure may still be somehow contributory in some cases.
The Lancet Neurology study looked at a trial of elderly patients with high blood pressure to see if those who were receiving treatment were less likely to develop any form of dementia compared with those left untreated.
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