About Hypertension

Alvin Hopkinson asked:


Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common cardiovascular disease that leads to severe complications if left untreated. The condition affects one in four adults in the United States alone. Furthermore, because there are no specific signs or symptoms, many Americans aren’t aware that they have developed it.

There are, however, specific factors that increase the risk for developing it. Research has discovered that diet and weight play a major role; therefore people at risk must adhere to a specific diet for hypertension.

A person’s diet and weight contribute to the development and progression of high blood pressure. This simply suggests that significant dietary changes and weight loss are effective treatments for lowering blood pressure. Nonpharmacologic measures identify the techniques required to treat the disease other than the use of medications.

Although nonpharmacologic measures are not necessarily a recommended substitute or replacement for diagnosis, medical advice, or drug therapy, it certainly has proven to improve the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications and/or eliminate the need for them after-the-fact.

Nonpharmacologic measures underline the importance of a diet for hypertension. It also suggest external measures that will reduce blood pressure such as avoiding smoking, limiting stress, reducing alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.

When a person is diagnosed with hypertension, the healthcare professional will develop a reasonable, well- rounded and tailored treatment plan for treating the disease. In addition to the medication regimen, the measures incorporate life- style adjustments that can be difficult to start and maintain initially. For instance, implementing dietary changes would involve a person’s current diet, cooking habits, and eating habits.

Diet for hypertension is significant in that it is an effective approach for controlling and possibly preventing hypertension. Basically, the healthcare professional would recommend these particular nonpharmacological measures to promote the opportunity for you to live a long, healthy life.

1. A Diet With Reduced Sodium

Reduced sodium (salt) intake will lower blood pressure in people with high and borderline hypertension. More so, limiting salt in your diet reduces the likelihood of high blood pressure reoccurring in people who stop taking antihypertensive medications.

2. Limiting Alcohol Consumption

Excess alcohol intake causes blood pressure to elevate. Specifically, more than two drinks a day significantly increase incidents of high blood pressure.

3. A Vegetarian Diet

A vegetarian diet significantly reduces elevated blood pressure. Specifically, the systolic blood pressure (the top number of the blood pressure reading) is lowered, especially during mild hypertension. Vegetable diet consists of fruits and vegetables, low- fat dairy products, and a diet of low saturated and total fat lowers blood pressure. This diet also has an increased amount of dietary fiber. 

4. Increased Fish Intake

Eating fish has also been proven to reduce blood pressure. It can be combined with a vegetarian diet to loose weight and effectively combat increased blood pressure.



Jamie

Nick Johnson asked:


Most people are not aware of it, but primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is something that can also occur in babies. Even for people who have heard of it, the correlation with babies is something that they are often very surprised about. Primary pulmonary hypertension in babies is generally from a somewhat different cause than PPH in adults.

This is the case because primary pulmonary hypertension in babies comes from a problem with their blood vessels when they are born. When a baby is still in the womb, it does not breathe, so the lungs are not used. There is a blood vessel which bypasses the lungs and returns blood to the heart with enough oxygen to take care of the organs and tissues that the blood is then pumped to. With PPH in babies, however, that blood vessel does not close off at birth.

When this takes place, the baby is breathing but the oxygen from the lungs is not getting into the blood stream and getting to the heart, so it cannot be pumped with the blood to the organs and tissues. Having primary pulmonary hypertension in babies can cause multiple organ failure, and can also cause these babies to die quickly if they are not treated.

PPH in babies is something that is very serious, and it has to be caught rapidly so that these newborns can be protected and operated on if necessary. If the blood vessel can be closed off, the blood vessels in the lungs will usually take over, and the newborn can be saved. He or she can then usually go on to live a normal life.

There are cases of primary pulmonary hypertension in babies without this blood vessel issue, and these cases are rare and surprising, having no apparent cause. However, there is a school of thought which now says that antidepressant use by the mother during pregnancy can be linked to PPH in babies, so this is something that pregnant women and doctors will want to consider.

If this disease can be reduced by ensuring that the mother does not take antidepressants while pregnant, this is naturally an important issue. There is likely no way to stop all cases of PPH, however, because the cause can be completely random and unknown sometimes, and doctors are still looking for other likely causes.

There is a number of varying PPH symptoms as well as ways to treat it, depending on patients’ medical needs. Primary pulmonary hypertension in babies can manifest hearing loss, brain abnormalities, dysfunctional development, poor eating, seizures, and anxiety. Adults may experience swelling, cyanosis, liver enlargement, neck vein distensions, fatigue, weakness, dizziness/lightheadedness, coughing blood, breath shortness, or chest pain.

Some of these may only be detectable with a visit to a doctor using tests such as a chest X-ray, an echocardiogram, or cardiac catheterization. Possible treatments include calcium channel blockers taken orally, diuretics, anticoagulants, intravenous prostacyclin, supplemental oxygen, or lung/heart-lung transplant.

Primary pulmonary hypertension in babies as well as any other patients should be dealt with as soon as possible. Do whatever is necessary until you are fully compensated for your losses.



Francisco

Paul J Johnson asked:


Starting a hypertension exercise program can be difficult and not just because it can involve going to the dreaded gym. Finding the right kind of motivation can prove to be more of a challenge than the exercising itself (and this is why so many people fail before they ever start!). You can’t go through this process with a defeatist attitude. A successful exercise program requires positive thinking and realistic goals. To make this happen–since everyone needs a little help when beginning–we offer these ten hints:

One:get your doctor involved. Before beginning any kind of hypertension exercise regime, you should consult your doctor. Let him or her explain what is best for your situation–what your body needs, what it can handle, etc. This will make constructing an exercise plan easier since you will know what targets you should be aiming for.

Two:find yourself some help. The best way to stay motivated is to have someone to remind you that you are not alone. Whether you have a friend exercise with you or just have a family member to cheer you on, this is the best way to keep yourself from feeling defeated. They will help keep you focused and make exercising seem less like a chore and more like just spending time with someone you love.

Three:remember that results take time. Too many people assume that, after that fast initial weight loss, all results will continue at the same pace. You may lose five to ten pounds quickly but your body will then adapt to the changes.Do not become discouraged because of this; it’s natural. A lifestyle change is not a quick process and you shouldn’t be put off when results take time.

Four:find exercises you can enjoy.We do not all have to sign up for aerobics classes. Some may prefer swimming, biking, hiking, etc. Find things you can look forward to doing and this will get rid of the whole “I’m exercising” mindset.It doesn’t even have to be ‘traditional’ exercise,a regular dance class will prove just as beneficial. This will make motivation a much easier thing. If you can enjoy what you’re doing, then you certainly won’t mind doing it.

Five:build a routine. You should not do a hypertension exercise program sporadically. The point is to develop a consistent schedule and actually follow it. Do not make excuses; just do as you need to. Your routine should reflect your health concerns and target the areas your doctor has suggested.

Six:keep a journal of your progress.If you are looking for ways to chart your successes (what works, what doesn’t, how much weight has been lost, how your blood pressure is doing, etc.),then keep a journal. This can serve as tangible proof that your new lifestyle is working and keep you motivated.

Seven:make other lifestyle changes.Just exercising is not enough; you need to change your diet as well. Consult with your doctor over which foods would best help lower your blood pressure and incorporate them.You do not have to deprive yourself of all of your favorite foods, just learn moderation and good eating sense.

Eight:create a schedule that works. You have to make your hypertension exercise work for you; this means developing a schedule that is tailored to your particular lifestyle. Know when you will have the most time to exercise and when it will be impossible. This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and like the program is taking from your life, rather than

adding to it.

Nine:remember why you are doing this.Yes,it may be difficult and,yes,it can seem tedious. But you have to remember that this program is for your health, to ensure that you lower your blood pressure and get yourself in shape.Keep that in mind when you feel like taking time off from the plan.

Ten:understand the value of reward. This does not mean that you should gorge yourself on fatty foods or consume alcohol for celebrating. You should, though,set up small rewards as a way to boost motivation. Whenever you reach a goal,treat yourself to an activity you love. This will just make the event easier to handle if you have something worthwhile waiting at the end of it.

With these steps, you can create a hypertension exercise strategy and stay motivated throughout it.With your doctor’s help, this will be much a easier and effective effort.Just make sure to mention any pre-existing conditions that you may have, such as diabetes, which may also impact your hypertension.



Angel

Alliance asked:


 

To understand hypertension (also known as high blood pressure), it is important to understand the heart. The heart is a pump. It pumps blood through our arteries, sending nourishment to all parts of our body. A pump works by generating pressure. But too much pressure is a problem. Too much force pushing against arterial walls, called hypertension, can strain the arteries and the heart itself.

 

Hypertension contributes to heart attacks and strokes by damaging the inner walls of the arteries and by speeding up the inflammatory process. Hypertension is the number one risk factor for strokes.

 

Why is hypertension a problem?

 

The higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk of stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and even, new research has found, dementia. Hypertension contributes to heart attacks and strokes by damaging the inner walls of the arteries and by speeding up the inflammatory process. Hypertension is the #1 risk factor for strokes.

 

How did you get hypertension?

 

It is easy to get hypertension if you live in the United States and other affluent countries, like England, where most citizens eat diets high in salt and fat and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. An Americans lifetime risk of developing hypertension is close to 90%, reported the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in 2004.

 

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

 

That is part of the problem. Hypertension usually causes no symptoms, so over time, damage to your arteries, heart, and brain can occur before the condition is diagnosed.

 

What is the right diet for hypertension treatment?

 

Several studies funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have found that the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension), which is very similar to the Pritikin Eating Plan, lowers blood pressure as well as or better than any drug. Both DASH and Pritikin promote menus that are low in fats, salt, cholesterol, red meat, and sweets; high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans; and moderate in seafood, poultry, nuts, and low fat or nonfat dairy foods.

 

Meditation

 

Relaxation techniques like yoga, transcendental meditation or any kinds of meditation are found to be very useful methods to control high blood pressure.

 

Exercise

Regular exercise will help to lower the blood pressure. Start with mild exercise like walking and slowly increase your intensity and duration. Rigorous exercise is a risk of having heart attack. Moderate exercise or walking or jogging helps to reduce the diastolic pressure by about 15 - 20 mm of Hg.

 



Tony

Scott James asked:


The Phrase High Blood Pressure conjures up a variety of things to all people. The Common definition refers to High Blood Pressure without alluding to any cause.

Because of the silent and insidious way it works in the background i.e. no symptoms it is referred to as the Silent Killer. High blood pressure if left untreated and ignored can lead to lethal complications in a wide variety of illnesses.More than 50 million Americans are estimated to have high blood pressure.

In the USA initial investigations would seem to highlight that within the black community 32% off the community how to high blood pressure as opposed to 23% within the White and Hispanic communities. The knock on effect of high blood pressure would appear to be worse for those within the black community.

It would appear that the risks and incidences of high blood pressure increase proportionately with age with over three quarters of women and 4/6 of men over the age of 75 being classified as sufferers.High blood pressure is twice as common among people who are obese as among those who are not.

It is a staggering figure that possibly only two thirds of the potential high blood pressure sufferers in the US have been diagnosed.Of these people, about 75% receive drug treatment, and of these, about 45% receive adequate treatment.

Two terms are used when calculating high blood pressure, the systolic which is the first and greater of the two figures and refers to the highest pressure of the Arteries.The lower value reflects the lowest pressure in the arteries, which is reached just before the heart begins to contract again (during diastole).

The traditional way of reporting blood pressure figures is calculated in millimetres of mercury and described as the systolic over the diastolic (120 over 80 etc). If the blood pressure readings were greater than a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure off greater than 90 mm Hg than to suffer was deemed to be suffering from high blood pressure.

However it has now been recognized that even these figures may be arbitrary as even the smallest increase in blood pressure is a risk. The change in the approach to these limits has occurred through increased research into hypertension highlighting additional unforeseen complications.

In most people with high blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic pressures are high. It has been found that where High Blood Pressure has been brought about through increased age that it is not unusual to see a normal diastolic pressure matched with a raised systolic figure.

This disorder is called isolated systolic hypertension.Blood pressure that is more than 180/110 mm Hg and does not produce any symptoms is “ a hypertensive urgency.

Where the blood pressure is particularly severe and in excess of 210/120 mm Hg then the condition is deemed to be known as malignant hypertension.It occurs in only about 1 of 200 people who have high blood pressure.

Again the incidences of malignant hypertension is greater within the black community and amongst those people from the socioeconomic groups. Unlike hypertensive urgency, malignant hypertension may produce a variety of severe symptoms. These can be fatal within a period of six months if left untreated.



Jamie

King of the Six String asked:


I’m currently on two blood pressure medications. I usually feel great, but just thinking about my upcoming appointment gets me very nervous, and while sitting in the waiting room I can feel my body changing and my pressure rising. Any tips?

Leon

haymona58 asked:


Is it harmful to stop taking the drug of hypertension (Dilatrol 25, one tablet daily) , and how can i stop it gradually without any side effects .
Also, please tell me what other things which I have to do to avoid side effects of stopping taking the medicine of hypertension?
Is it harmful to stop taking the drug of hypertension (Dilatrol 25, one tablet daily) , and how can i stop it gradually without any side effects .
Also, please tell me what other things which I have to do to avoid side effects of stopping taking the medicine of hypertension?
I took that drug when my rate was 140/90 and my age was 42
I took that drug when my rate was 140/90 and my age was 42

Yolanda

BALAJI asked:


ef=”http://hypertension-asilentkiller.blogspot.com/2008/08/hypertension-silent-killer.html”>HYPERTENSION - A SILENT KILLER .

Hypertension a common disease that result from the consistent constant elevation of the systolic or diastolic pressure above 140/90 mmhg , the diagnosis of hypertension requires that elevated readings be present on atleast three occassions during several weeks .Hypertension causes no symptoms to motivate a person to seek treatment . When symptoms do occur , they signify either secondary causes of hypertension or effects of sustained elevation of Bp on target organs . When you consider the types of hypertension , it is of two types - primary hypertension and secondary hypertension .

PRIMARY HYPERTENSION :

It accounts for more than 90% of all cases and has no known case , although it is theorised that genetic factor , hormonal changes , and alterations in sympathetic tone all play a role in its development .

SECONDARY HYPERTENSION :

It develops as a consequence of particular underlying disease or condition . Now let us see the major risk factors of hypertension according to its types ,

Primary hypertension - The identified risk factors in primary hypertension are as follows :

1 , age - onset between 30 - 50 years of age , increases over 65 years of age .

2 , sex - males in young adulthood and early middle age , females after the age of 55 years .

3 , race - African-Americans as in caucasians .

4, family history .

5 , obesity .

6 , smoking .

7 , high salt diet .

8 , elevated serum lipids .

9 , alcohol .

10,sedentary life style .

11 , diabetes mellitus .

12 , socio-economic status .

13 ,emotional stress .

Secondary hypertension - Major risk factors of secondary hypertension include the following ,

1 , Coarctation or congenital narrowing of the aorta .

2 , Renal disease such as renal artery stenosis parenchymal disease and reno vascular disease . 3 , Endocrine disorders such as pheochromocytoma , cushing syndrome , hyper and primary aldosteronism .

4 , Neurologic disorders such as brain tumours , quadriplegia and head injury .

5 , Sleep apnoea .

6 , Medications , oestrogen replacement theraphy , oral contraceptive pills , and non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs .

7 , Pregnancy - induced hypertension . These are the major risk factors of hypertension which should be known to all , to prevent the hypertension



Lydia

Alvin Hopkinson asked:


Individuals with diabetes have a higher mortality risk of about 60%. However, the risks jump drastically, approximately 3 times higher in those individuals that have type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Among the health related concerns are retinopathy, nephropathy, stroke, and coronary heart disease. The risk of CVD increases in individuals that have diabetes and hypertension to about 75%. This is considered to be a a contributing factor to the mortality rate.

Typically, in individuals with both diabetes and hypertension will also have risks that can become even higher because of other health factors. Such as, central obesity, inflammation of the left ventricular hypertrophy, dyslipidaemia, microalbuminuria, insulin resistance and hyper coagulation. Any of these factors can increase the possibility of developing CVD.

Interestingly, a published study has revealed that many individuals that have sought medical attention in connection with their type 2 diabetes and hypertension do not receive adequate treatment.

This is especially true in those patients that have repeatedly had elevated blood pressure readings. For the most part, the medication is not modified to meet the needs of the hypertension and the diabetes.

In many cases, a person with diabetes and hypertension will need to take more than one medicine to control the condition. Generally, they will have to take about three different medications in order to gain control over the blood pressure. It is also possible that the doctor will have to change the prescriptions a few times in order to find the right combination for the individual with the least side effects.

Some studies have revealed benefits of using ACE inhibitors in diabetic patients with hypertension as well. This makes using the ACE inhibitors the best course of treatment in many situations. However, your medical care provider will have to determine the best treatment for you. Each case is different and they have varying factors that should be considered by the physician prior to beginning treatment.

A doctor will consider the age of the individual, the severity of their circumstances, their overall health and existing medications before the determination can be made.

It is important that you reveal any relevant medical history to the doctor. This should include allergies to medication. If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment your doctor suggests for you for diabetes and hypertension treatment you should further discuss your options.

It is important also that you know what to look for as far as side effects and complications so you can immediately notify your doctor if you notice you are beginning to suffer from any of them.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading and avid researcher of various high blood pressure treatments. He runs a content-packed website that provides free tips to lower your hypertension and unbiased reviews on common blood pressure medications. Grab your FREE report on how to lower blood pressure naturally and visit his site at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com



James

Juliet Cohen asked:


Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension also called is Pulmonary hypertension Pulmonary hypertension is an abnormal altitude of the pressure in the pulmonary flow caused by the constriction of the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension can be a severe disease with a markedly decreased exercise tolerance and heart failure. Frequency in children as well as adults is not known. Conceivably, more patients have the disease than previously suspected. IPAH occurs at a female-to-male ratio ranging from 2-9:1, depending on the treatment center sampled.

The worldwide incidence of Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension approximates that observed in the United States. Pumonary hypertension may be caused by a genetic defect, confident diet medications, or medical conditions such as lung or heart valve disease or history of a blood clot in the lung. Various triggers, such as high altitude, hypoxemia, toxins, sympathetic tone, and autoimmune disorders, can cause pulmonary vasoconstriction in susceptible individuals. Symptoms may develop very gradually. Shortness of breath and dizziness are symptoms of pulmonary hypertension.

Treatment involves of Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension diuretics, blood thinners, calcium channel blockers, and using supplemental oxygen to increase blood oxygen levels. Medicines used to treat pulmonary hypertension include ambrisentan (Letairis), bosentan, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and prostacyclin  Prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2) is commonly considered the most effective treatment for PAH. Treprostinil (Remodulin) can be given intravenously or subcutaneously, but the subcutaneous form can be very painful. If treatment with medications fails, suitable candidates may be helped by lung or heart-lung transplant.

High dose calcium channel blockers are useful in only 5% of IPAH patients who are vasoreactive by Swan-Ganz catheter. Use digoxin therapy to improve right ventricular function in patients with right ventricular failure. Use diuretics to manage peripheral edema. The use of loop diuretics requires potassium supplementation and close monitoring of serum potassium. Potassium-sparing diuretics may have a role in ameliorating the sometimes-intractable hypokalemia observed with daily diuretic use. Patients taking warfarin must limit their intake of vitamin K–containing foods, such as green leafy and coliform vegetables.



Frank