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High
Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - "The Silent Killer"
By Jim Newell
High
blood pressure, or medically known as hypertension, has been called "the
silent killer", so named because there are usually no symptoms. Many times
a person does not become aware of having high blood pressure until they
have their blood pressure checked at a health screening, during a physical
checkup at a doctors office, or worse when being checked into a hospital.
Some of the first
signs of trouble may be frequent headaches, dizzy spells, or frequent nose
bleeds, however by the time these maladies show up your blood pressure may
be seriously elevated. Many people will not exhibit any of these symptoms.
Everyone is at risk
for high blood pressure, and if they do not take steps to control it they
are at increased risk of heart disease, and stroke. These are conditions
that must be paid attention to, heart disease is still the number 1 killer
in the nation.
If you are aware of a
history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke in your family
you should have your blood pressure checked at least annually. Better yet
you may want to invest in a home monitor and keep tabs on it yourself. If
you are being treated for high blood pressure, your Doctor may insist on
self monitoring.
Blood pressure
consists of two numbers. The first number, systolic pressure, represents
the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number,
diastolic pressure, represents the pressure between beats, when the heart
relaxes. Normal blood pressure is considered to be a measurement of
120/80, however the risk of cardio vascular disease can start at lower
levels, a measurement of 140/90 and above would be considered as too high
and shows an increased risk of heart disease.
For moderately
elevated blood pressure the normal treatment may be lifestyle changes.
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Weight loss, excess
weight has been shown to be a significant risk factor.
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Quit smoking,
smoking constricts the blood vessels and causes the heart to work harder
pushing blood thru them, thus raising blood pressure.
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Some over the
counter medications may raise blood pressure, be especially aware of
(NSAIDs), nasal
decongestants, other cold remedies and diet pills,
if in doubt check with your doctor.
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Restrict salt
intake.
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Limit the use of
alcoholic beverages.
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Modify your diet to
include more fruits and vegetables and lower your fat intake.
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Start and maintain
a moderate exercise program, at least 30 minutes of activity 5 days a
week.
If these lifestyle
changes do not have the desired effect the next step would be medication
in addition to the lifestyle changes. Blood pressure medications used to
have a reputation for side effects, including inhibited sexual drive. Most
of the medications prescribed today, do not exhibit these side effects.
Your Doctor has an
arsenal of medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure, and
may prescribe one or a combination of medications to help bring your
readings to an acceptable level. Medications
such as ACE inhibitors, alpha and beta blockers, and diuretics are usually
effective. Prescribed medications should be taken as directed, even if you
feel fine.
At one time there was
a belief that if you were being treated for high blood pressure, and it
became known to your health insurance carrier, that you would have a hard
time getting new coverage, or that coverage would be at a higher cost.
This is not true, in fact if you have high blood pressure, and are being
treated, health insurance carriers would view this as positive and likely
rate you as a better risk. |
