|
| High Blood Pressure
like any disease comes about as a malfunction of
one or more of your bodies systems. Much if not most of the
time this is a result of a slow degenerative process due to the
lack of adequate bodily supplies of the elements necessary for
normal function and rejuvenation of affected organs. Commercial
Farming and natural erosion has depleted global farmlands of most
essential elements therefore it is not wise to assume that your
diet contains enough of these elements for normal body function
and maintenance. See
Senate Document 264.
|
 |
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.
|
|
|
The
Whole Story