HealthyLife Articles

Tag: hypertension

  • High Blood Pressure

    Heart & Circulation Problems

    The medical name for high blood pressure is hypertension (hy-puhr-TEHN-shun). High blood pressure (HBP) is when blood moves through the arteries at a higher pressure than normal. The heart strains to pump blood through the arteries.

    Signs & Symptoms

    High blood pressure (HBP) is a “silent disease.” Often there are no signs or symptoms. A lot of adults with HBP do not know they have it. So, get your blood pressure checked at each doctor’s office visit, at least every 2 years, or as often as your doctor advises. When blood pressure is 180 or higher (top number) or 120 or higher (bottom number), these signs of a hypertensive crisis may occur:

    *  Severe chest pain

    *  Severe headache with confusion and blurred vision

    *  Severe anxiety

    *  Shortness of breath

    Blood pressure is measured with 2 numbers. The first (top) number measures systolic pressure. This is the maximum pressure against the artery walls while the heart is pumping blood. The second (bottom) number measures diastolic pressure. This is the pressure between heartbeats when the heart refills. The results are given as systolic over diastolic pressure, such as 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

    Tips When You Have Your BP Measured

    *  Don’t drink coffee or smoke 30 minutes before having your BP read. (Don’t smoke at all!)

    *  Go to the bathroom before you get it checked.

    *  Before the test, sit for 5 minutes.

    *  Wear short sleeves so your arm is exposed.

    *  When you get tested: Sit; keep your back and arm supported; and keep your arm at heart level.

    *  An average of 2 readings from BP tests taken at least 5 minutes apart should be done.

    Causes, Risk Factors & Care

    The exact cause is not known.

    Risk factors include:

    *  Family history of HBP

    *  Aging. More than half of older adults have HBP.

    *  Smoking cigarettes

    *  Race. African Americans are more likely to have HBP than Caucasians.

    *  Gender. Men are more likely to have HBP than women (until women reach menopause).

    *  Being inactive. Obesity. Sleep apnea.

    *  Drinking too much alcohol

    *  Too much sodium intake in some persons

    *  Emotional distress

    High blood pressure could be caused by another medical problem or be a side effect of some medicines. This is called secondary hypertension. This can usually be reversed when the problem is treated.

    Diagnosis

    Blood pressure readings tell if your blood pressure is high. A health care professional measures blood pressure during an office visit with a manual or automated device called a sphygmomanometer (sfig’-mo-ma-nom-e-ter). The numbers on the gauge measure your blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

    You should get 2 or more readings at different times. To confirm a diagnosis of HBP, your doctor may have you wear a device that records your blood pressure every 20-30 minutes over a period of 24 to 48 hours. This is called ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

    Note: Sometimes just being at the doctor’s office is enough to raise some people’s blood pressure. This is called “white-coat hypertension.” If you think this affects you, tell your doctor. You may be advised to check your blood pressure with a home testing device. Your doctor may have you wear a device that records your blood pressure for 24 hours. This will give accurate readings of your blood pressure.

    Health Problems Related to HBP

    High blood pressure plays a major role in these health problems:

    *  Stroke. Dementia. Brain damage.

    *  Heart disease. A person with HBP is 5 times more likely to have a heart attack than a person without HBP. It can also cause the heart to enlarge. This could cause (congestive) heart failure.

    *  Chronic kidney disease

    *  Kidney failure

    *  Vision loss. This includes blindness.

    Why is ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) done?

    During an office visit, a short-term rise in blood pressure can be due to:

    *  Emotions or stress

    *  Pain or physical activity

    *  Caffeine or nicotine

    *  “White-coat hypertension.” With this, just being at a doctor’s office or in the presence of medical staff is enough to raise blood pressure.

    Getting blood pressure readings over 1-2 days during normal activity and sleep gives a more accurate measurement of your blood pressure.

    Self-Care / Prevention

    For blood pressure control, follow a healthy lifestyle.

    *  Get your blood pressure checked at each office visit, at least every 2 years, or as often as your doctor advises.

    *  Get to and/or stay at a healthy weight. Aim for a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9. Find your BMI using the table below or from:www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.

    *  Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

    *  Limit alcohol to 2 drinks or less a day if you are male and 1 drink or less a day if you are female or age 65 or older.

    *  Limit caffeine.

    *  Exercise. Try to do at least 60 minutes a day.

    *  Learn to handle stress. Take classes. Learn relaxation techniques, etc.

    *  Take medicine as prescribed. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects, such as dizziness, faintness, or a dry cough without having a cold. Don’t stop taking your prescribed medicine or change the dose(s) unless your doctor tells you to.

    *  Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take antihistamines and decongestants. Discuss all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines with your doctor and pharmacist before you take them to avoid harmful drug interactions. Find out about drug and food interactions, too. Ask if grapefruit juice can cause harmful effects with the medicine(s) you take.

    *  Keep track of your blood pressure using a home testing device. Do this if advised by your doctor.

    Medical Care

    High blood pressure usually lasts a lifetime, but can be treated and controlled. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice. Medical treatment includes:

    *  A physical exam and lab tests. These check for damage to your heart, kidneys, and other organs. They also identify risk factors you have for heart, kidney, and other diseases. Your treatment plan is based on your needs.

    *  Follow-up blood pressure checks and other tests as needed.

    *  Healthy lifestyle changes.

    *  Medications. Most persons need more than 1 medicine to treat high blood pressure.

    Your doctor will decide if and what medication(s) you need. This is based on your blood pressure level, age, race, other conditions you have, heart disease risk factors, etc. Common medicines used to treat HBP are:

    *  Diuretics (water pills)

    *  Calcium channel blockers

    *  ACE inhibitors

    *  Angiotensin II receptor blockers

    *  Beta-blockers

    *  Alpha blockers. Alpha-beta blockers.

    *  Nervous system inhibitors

    *  Vasodilators

    Reasons to Get Medical Care

    *  You have signs or symptoms of a hypertensive crisis. Get medical care right away.

    *  You need to schedule office visit appointments to get your blood pressure checked. Do this as often as your doctor advises.

    *  You have adverse side effects from taking medicine(s) to lower blood pressure. Examples are:

    – You feel lightheaded or dizzy.

    – You feel weak, sleepy, and/or drowsy.

    – Your heart races.

    – You get a skin rash.

    Resources

    American Heart Association

    800.242.8721

    www.heart.org

    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

    www.nhlbi.nih.gov

    High Blood Pressure brochure by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • High Blood Pressure 2

    Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

    A blood pressure reading concerns the blood in the arteries. The top number in the reading is the systolic pressure. That’s the pressure when the heart muscle contracts. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure. That’s the pressure when the heart muscle relaxes.

    An example of a blood pressure reading is 120/80. This is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A blood pressure reading should be taken before pregnancy or at its start. This is called a baseline blood pressure. The baseline reading shows what is normal for that woman. During the first several months of pregnancy, blood pressure may drop a little. It often rises slightly later in the pregnancy. That’s because of the extra work the mother’s body is doing. A slight rise is normal then. High blood pressure in pregnancy is when there is an increase of 30 or more in the systolic pressure (top number). An increase of 15 or more in the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is also a sign of high blood pressure.

    Causes

    Preeclampsia

    A common cause of high blood pressure in pregnancy is preeclampsia. This used to be called toxemia. Three things usually come with preeclampsia:

    *  High blood pressure

    *  Swelling of the face, hands, fingers, or feet

    *  Protein in the urine

    Other symptoms of preeclampsia are:

    *  Sudden weight gain or gaining more than 2 pounds a week

    *  Headaches

    *  Vision problems like spots before the eyes or blurry vision

    *  Pain in upper belly

    *  Severe indigestion that doesn’t go away

    Preeclampsia affects about 7 out of 100 pregnant women. It happens most often during a first pregnancy, but can occur again, especially with a new partner. And, it only happens during pregnancy. It goes away after delivery. Preeclampsia can lead to eclampsia. That’s when convulsions also occur. Eclampsia can result in a coma for the mother.

    Risk Factors

    The cause of preeclampsia is not known. High blood pressure does not have to be present before pregnancy. The things listed below may increase the risk for preeclampsia:

    *  First pregnancy or first pregnancy with a new partner

    *  Chronic high blood pressure or kidney disease

    *  Diabetes or lupus before the pregnancy

    *  Being overweight

    *  Being African American

    *  Pregnancy before age 20 or after age 35

    *  Being pregnant with more than one baby

    *  Preeclampsia in a past pregnancy or in a mother or sister

    Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)

    High blood pressure can develop during pregnancy without other symptoms. This is called pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH). This type of high blood pressure often happens after the 20th week. After delivery, blood pressure usually goes back to normal.

    Treatment

    High blood pressure and preeclampsia can range from mild to severe. They can be treated with medical help and home care. But if serious symptoms are present, medicine and/or hospital care may be needed. The health care provider may induce labor (bring on labor). Or a Cesarean section (C-section) may be done.

    When blood pressure remains high, not enough blood reaches the placenta. The fetus doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients. That can cause:

    *  Growth problems for the fetus

    *  Placenta abruptio.

    *  A baby that is born preterm, that has mental problems, is underweight, or stillborn

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care

    *  Get a lot of rest. Sleep 8 to 12 hours at night. Take 2 naps during the day, if you can. When you sleep or rest, lie on your left side, as much as you can. This helps blood flow to the placenta. When you tire of lying on your left side, lie on your right side.

    *  Take medicine for high blood pressure as prescribed. If told to do so, take regular blood pressure readings at home. Ask your health care provider how to get a home test kit.

    *  Follow your health care provider’s advice about exercise.

    *  Do things to relax. Examples: listen to soft music, put your feet up, take a nap. Watch a TV show that makes you laugh. Put your hand on your belly to feel your baby move.

    *  Don’t take any medicine without your health care provider’s okay. That includes cold or sinus medicines and antacids.

    Prenatal Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Protect Your Heart

    Heart & Circulation Problems

    Man smiling make hands into heart shape.

    Wondering about your heart health? Look at your waist. Excess belly fat is linked to higher blood pressure and unhealthy blood lipid levels. For starters, adopt a heart-healthy diet of lean proteins, beans, lentils, veggies, fruits, and whole grains, and exercise regularly to reduce your heart disease risks. In fact, many heart-shaped fruits and vegetables are great sources of antioxidants, which help reduce your risk for heart disease and some cancers. Examples include strawberries, apples, raspberries, and bell peppers.

    Be More Earth-Friendly

    Reducing red meat in your diet is good for you and the earth. Beef production, far more than chicken or pork, has had a significant impact on the environment. A good first step is to adopt “Meatless Mondays.”

    Health at Home Lifetime book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Take Control Of Your Blood Pressure

    General Health Conditions

    Part of a blood pressure cuff and medications.

    Getting older, having a family history of high blood pressure (HBP), and being African American are risk factors you cannot control. Lower risk factors for HBP that you can control.

    Action Step:Get your blood pressure checked at every office visit or at least every two years.

    Health at Home Lifetime book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Limit Sodium

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Part 2

    Sea salt on wooden spoon and the word salt written in grain.

    Your body needs some sodium to:

    *  Maintain the right balance of fluids in your body.

    *  Transmit nerve impulses.

    *  Contract and relax muscles.

    Use added salt sparingly and limit foods high in sodium. Most people eat much more sodium than they need. There are important reasons to limit sodium in the diet. A low-sodium diet can help:

    *  Prevent high blood pressure. High blood pressure, if untreated, can lead to heart attack, stroke, poor eye health, headaches, and kidney failure.

    *  Lower your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure.

    *  Avoid swelling (edema) in legs, ankles, and internal organs.

    *  Reduce bloating and other side effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

    Limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams per day (about 1 teaspoon). If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor about the amount of sodium you should have each day. He or she may suggest you limit your sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day (about ¾ teaspoon). This includes sodium from all sources- salt added during cooking and at the table, salt in processed food, and sodium that occurs naturally in foods.

    Ways to Limit Sodium

    *  Choose low-sodium versions of canned foods, like soup, tomatoes and vegetables.

    *  Read nutrition information for restaurant items, when available. Choose from the “heart healthy” menu.

    *  Taste your food before adding salt. If needed, add a little.

    *  Leave the salt shaker off the table.

    *  Limit intake of processed meats like sausage and cold cuts.

    Flavor Foods Without Salt

    *  Beef – Bay leaf, marjoram, nutmeg, onion, pepper, sage, thyme

    *  Lamb – Curry powder, garlic, rosemary, mint

    *  Pork – Garlic, onion, sage, pepper, oregano

    *  Veal – Bay leaf, curry powder, ginger, marjoram, oregano

    *  Chicken – Ginger, marjoram, oregano, paprika, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme

    *  Fish – Curry powder, dill, dry mustard, lemon juice, marjoram, paprika, pepper

    *  Carrots – Cinnamon, cloves, marjoram, nutmeg, rosemary, sage

    *  Corn – Cumin, curry powder, onion, paprika, parsley

    *  Green – beans Dill, curry powder, lemon juice, marjoram, oregano, tarragon, thyme

    *  Peas – Ginger, marjoram, onion, parsley, sage

    *  Potatoes – Dill, garlic, onion, paprika, parsley, sage

    *  Summer squash – Cloves, curry powder, marjoram, nutmeg, rosemary, sage

    *  Winter squash – Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, onion

    *  Tomatoes – Basil, bay leaf, dill, marjoram, onion, oregano, parsley, pepper

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Limit Sodium 2

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Menus & Recipes

    Sea salt on wooden spoon and the word salt written in grain.

    Your body needs some sodium (salt), but not too much, to keep the right balance of body fluids, use muscles properly and transmit nerve signals. Limit foods high in sodium and use added salt sparingly. Ways to limit sodium include:

    *  Limit processed meats like sausage and pepperoni.

    *  Choose salt-free or low-sodium canned foods (soup, vegetables, etc.) by reading the food label.

    *  Read nutrition information for restaurant items when available.

    *  Leave the salt shaker off the table. Taste your food before adding salt. If needed, add a little.

    *  Flavor foods without salt. Instead, use more herbs and spices.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Lowdown On High Blood Pressure

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of women having her blood pressure checked.

    Because 1 in 3 American adults suffers from high blood pressure, regular and accurate blood pressure checks are important for correctly diagnosing and treating hypertension (the medical term for high blood pressure).

    Dr. Robert Zelis, a cardiologist at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, says there are three groups of people who may want to consider checking blood pressure on their own, in addition to having it measured at their annual physical exam.

    *  The first is those with so-called “white-coat hypertension.” These are patients who get so worked up about being in a doctor’s office that their readings will always be high there.

    *  The second is those who already take medication to control their blood pressure and need to monitor how it’s working.

    *  The third is those who suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol or who have risk factors such as obesity, smoking, or a strong family history of hypertension.

    Whether a blood pressure check is done at the doctor’s office or at home, it’s important to follow the same procedure:

    *  Make sure the blood pressure cuff is large enough and easy to use.

    *  Sit in a chair with a straight back, with both feet flat on the floor. Your legs should not be crossed.

    *  Make sure your arm is supported on something such as a table or armrest.

    *  Don’t take a measurement with the cuff placed on top of clothing. Bare skin is best.

    *  Wait 30 seconds after sitting down before you take your measurement.

    *  Take a second reading 30 seconds after you have finished the first to confirm your initial results.

    *  Take the measurements at the same time of day.

    *  Record your results to spot patterns.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine