|
High Blood Pressure A
Common but Controllable Disorder
You may be surprised if your doctor says
you have high blood pressure (HBP) because it does not cause symptoms and
you can have it even though you feel fine. But HBP is a serious condition
that can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other health
problems. The good news is that there are simple ways to control it.
What Is HBP?
As blood flows from the heart out to the
blood vessels, it creates pressure against the blood vessel walls. Your
blood pressure reading is a measure of this pressure. When that reading
goes above a certain point, it is called high blood pressure. Hypertension
is another name for HBP.
As many as 50 million Americans may have HBP. Among people age 65 and
older, about 40 percent of Whites and 50 percent of Blacks have HBP.
How Is It Tested?
To test blood pressure, a doctor or nurse
places a cuff around your arm above the elbow, pumps air into the cuff,
and then reads the measurements as the air is let out. The test is
painless and takes only a few minutes.
Your blood pressure measurement may be taken several times. You may be
asked to stand one time and sit another. If your blood pressure is high
the first day, the doctor will want measurements from different days
before deciding whether you really have high blood pressure. These steps
are needed because blood pressure changes so quickly. Also, it is affected
by many things, including the normal feelings of worry during a visit to
the doctor.
Because HBP is so common, everyone should have his or her blood pressure
tested once a year. Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers.
Although the average blood pressure reading for adults is 120/80, a
slightly higher or lower reading (for either number) may not be a problem.
If blood pressure goes above 140/90, however, some form of treatment diet
or drugs may be needed. Lower blood pressure readings (for example,
110/70) are thought to be safe for most people.
What If Just The First Number is High?
Often in older adults the first number (the
upper or systolic number) is high while the second (the lower or
diastolic) number is normal. This condition is called isolated systolic
hypertension, and it also should be treated. Studies prove that lowering
the systolic number cuts down on strokes and heart attacks in people age
60 and over.
What Causes HBP?
Some cases of HBP are caused by other
illnesses. This kind of HBP is called secondary hypertension, and it is
often cured once the original medical problem is cured. Most HBP, however,
is essential or primary hypertension. This kind cannot be cured but can be
kept under control by regular, ongoing treatment.
Doctors think that many things combine to cause HBP. Being overweight,
drinking too much alcohol, and eating too much salt are risk factors
because they raise your risk of having HBP. They do not cause it directly.
Blood pressure goes up in all people during periods of stress or exercise.
But avoiding stress will not prevent high blood pressure. You can have HBP
even though you are usually a calm, relaxed person.
How Is HBP Treated?
If you have mild HBP, your doctor may
suggest that you lose weight and keep it off, eat less salt, cut down on
alcohol, and get more exercise. You may bring your blood pressure down
simply by following this advice. Even if medicine is needed, these daily
habits may help it work better.
Some people think that when their blood pressure comes down, they no
longer need treatment. If your doctor has prescribed medicine, you may
have to take it for the rest of your life. Later on, though, you may be
able to take less of it.
Can HBP Be Prevented?
There is now good evidence that HBP can be
prevented in many people. The keys to prevention are:
- Keeping your weight moderate;
- Cutting down on salt;
- Exercising regularly; and
- If you drink, having no more than two
drinks a day.
HBP Checklist
- HBP may not make you feel sick, but it
is serious and should be treated by a doctor.
- You can bring down your blood pressure
with changes in diet and daily habits and by taking medicines if
necessary.
- Losing weight, cutting down on salt and
alcohol, and getting regular exercise may be helpful, but only as
suggested by your doctor. Do not assume these are substitutes for
medicine unless your doctor says they are.
- If one day�s dose of medicine is
missed, do not double up the next day. Instead, call your doctor for
advice.
- Take your medicine at the same time each
day-for example, in the morning or evening after brushing teeth to
help set a regular, easy to remember routine.
NUTRIENTS, DAILY AMOUNTS, AND
APPLICATIONS
-
Calcium: 1,000 milligrams for men ages 25 to 65, for women
ages 25 to 50 and for women at menopause (ages 51 to 65) who are
taking estrogen/
1,200-1,500 milligrams for women who are pregnant or nursing/
1,500 milligrams for women at menopause (ages 51 to 65) who are
not taking estrogen and for men and women over age 65
-
Magnesium: 300-400 milligrams
-
Potassium: 3,500 milligrams
-
Vitamin C: 240 milligrams
MEDICAL ALERT!
- If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you
should be under a doctor's care.
- If you have heart or kidney problems, you should check with
your doctor before taking supplemental magnesium.
- People who have diabetes or who are taking potassium-sparing
diuretics, ACE inhibitors or heart medicines such as heparin
should not supplement potassium without medical supervision.
|
|