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What is hypertension?
Hypertension,or high blood pressure,is a condition that raises the pressure inside the blood vessels
(veins and arteries). High blood pressure damages the blood vessels.It can lead to serious health problems, including stroke,heart attack,heart failure and kidney failure.
How can I find out if I have hypertionsion?
You can only tell you have hypertension by
measuring your blood pressure.If the high(systolic)number is 140 or more and the low(diastolic)number is 90 or more,your blood pressure is considered high.You should see your doctor.In older people,a systolic
measurement of 160 or more,even if the diastolic measurement is less than 90,isn't healthy.
How does it occur?
There are no clear causes of hypertension. However, many different factors can increase blood pressure: for example, stress, overweight,
smoking, a diet high in salt, heavy use of alcohol, and in some women, the use of birth control pills. Heredity, sex, age, and race are also important factors. Exactly how these factors affect blood pressure is not yet
well understood.
What are the symptoms?
Hypertension usually causes no symptoms for many years. This is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked by a health care professional at least once every year. Symptoms of severe hypertension or its
complications may include headache, dizziness, racing or irregular heartbeat, easy tiring, impotence, nosebleeds, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on how high your blood pressure is. It also depends on
your risk for heart and blood vessel disease and other complications. The goals of treatment are to lower your blood pressure to a level as near normal as possible and to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. It
is also important for you to stay as active as possible.
If your blood pressure is mildly or even moderately high, it may be possible to bring it down to a normal level without medication. Changes in your diet,
weight loss, and exercise may be the only treatment you need. Your doctor may recommend the following first steps to treat your high blood pressure:
Reduce the amount of salt or sodium in your diet to the level
recommended by your doctor. It may be helpful to talk with a dietitian about low-sodium diets. Exercise regularly. For example, walk or swim at least three times a week. Talk to your doctor about the kinds and
amounts of physical activity that are best for you. Lose weight if you are overweight.
Limit the amount of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, including soft drinks, that you drink. If you smoke,
quit. Reduce stress through stress management, relaxation exercises, or counseling. If these lifestyle changes do not lower your blood pressure enough, your doctor may prescribe a drug that will reduce your
blood pressure. There are many types of drugs for reducing blood pressure. Diuretics (sometimes called "water pills"), for example, are one type. They help your body get rid of extra water and
sodium.
Years ago many blood pressure medicines caused impotence in men. Today there are many new drugs that can control blood pressure without causing impotence. When you start taking medication, it is important to: Take
the medication regularly, exactly as prescribed. Tell you doctor about any side effects right away. Keep your follow-up visits with your doctor.
It may not be possible to know at first which drug or combination of
drugs will work best for you. You and your doctor may need to work together for several weeks to find the best treatment for you.
How long will the effects last?
You may need treatment for high blood pressure the rest of your
life. However, proper treatment can control your blood pressure and prevent or delay complications. If you already have some complications, lowering
your blood pressure may make the effects of the complications less severe.
Untreated high blood pressure is dangerous because the heart must work much harder to keep the blood circulating. This stress and
damage to blood vessel linings and organs can lead to serious and life-threatening problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
How can I take care of myself?
Your treatment will be much more effective if you follow these
guidelines for taking good care of yourself: Always follow your doctor's instructions for taking medications. Don't take less medication or stop taking medication without talking to your doctor about it first.
Abruptly stopping blood pressure medication can be dangerous. Also, do not increase your dose of medicine without seeing your doctor first. Check your blood pressure (or have it checked) as often as your doctor advises.
Keep a chart of the readings.
Use less salt. Check the levels of sodium listed on food labels. Avoid canned and prepared foods unless the label says no salt is added. Develop and maintain an exercise program that
includes at least 30 minutes of walking, bicycling, or swimming three to five times a week, according to your doctor's recommendation. Drink no more than two 1-ounce drinks of hard liquor or two beers or two 6-ounce
glasses of wine a day. Don't smoke.
Limit the amount of caffeine you drink. Try to reduce the stress in your life or learn how to deal better with situations that make you feel anxious. Ask your doctor and
pharmacist for information about the drugs you are taking. Tell your doctor about any side effects you have from your medicines.
What can be done to help prevent hypertension?
Changes in lifestyle, such as eating less
salt, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and controlling your weight, may help prevent high blood pressure.
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