About Hypertension

Sharon Bell asked:


 

When you need an ace up your sleeve in the treatment of hypertension, one type of drug meets that criterion - the ACE inhibitors.

Doctors say they work well - sometimes even better - than other antihypertensives, have relatively few side effects, don’t deplete the body’s supply of potassium which can be dangerous, don’t interfere with a person’s memory, work performance, or sexual function, and are useful in patients suffering from angina and congestive heart failure.

ACE is short for angiotensin converting enzyme. Angiotensin occurs naturally in the body and has two relatives. The first one is a good guy; he doesn’t cause any trouble.

The black sheep of the family is angiotensin II which raises blood pressure by constricting the arteries. This is the target of ACE inhibitors; they inhibit the action of angiotensin II, thereby normalizing blood pressure.

“I prefer ACE inhibitors because in my experience, they have the fewest side effects. For example, unlike diure­tics, they don’t raise your cholesterol or make you spend the better part of your life in the bathroom emptying your bladder; unlike beta-blockers, they don’t slow you down, give you bad dreams, worsen your asthma, induce heart failure, or drive you to reading porn magazines to help restore some interest in sex,” said Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of the New York Hospital - Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in “The Best Treatment.”

Since their introduction in the 1980s, ACE inhibitors have moved up the ladder as first-line drugs in the treat­ment of hypertension. There are many reasons why doctors prefer them over other drugs.

ACE inhibitors can be used by the young and old alike. They spare men the agony of impotence while on beta-blockers or diuretics. They are equal to or superior in action to both these drugs. And in severe cases of hypertension, ACE inhibitors can safely be combined with diuretics or calcium-channel blockers. Beta-blockers also work well with ACE inhibitors but not as successful as other combinations.

“There is another good reason to start with an ACE inhibitor. If it results in a dramatic drop in pressure, then you know that renin is an important factor in the causation of your hypertension. (Renin is the blood pressure-raising hormone made by the kidneys that is blocked by the ACE inhibitor.) Excessive amounts of renin are produced when the arteries going to the kidneys are narrow­ed. So if you respond to an ACE inhibitor, it may be worth looking at these arteries to see if they can be dilated by balloon angioplasty,” Rosenfeld explained.

“On the other hand, when an ACE inhibitor is not effective, that more or less rules out renin and suggests instead a salt-dependent type of hyper­tension for which calcium antagonists or diuretics are more effective,” he added.

Not everyone, however, agrees with Rosenfeld’s recommendations. Other researchers argue that this line of thinking comes from the early experience with the ACE inhibitor captopril which has since been refuted by newer studies.

In the Journal of Hypertension, Professor John L. Reid of the Department of Materia Medica, University of Glasgow, said that people with hypertension generally respond well to ACE inhibitors regardless of their blood renin levels or the amount of sodium in the body. He said other factors - such as individual patient response - may be the reason why some individuals do not benefit from ACE inhibitors.

Regardless of how you or your doctor feels about ACE inhibitors, there are certain contraindications you should be aware of. ACE inhibitors are a no-no if you’re allergic to them or to any of their components. Their safety has not been established in pregnancy or in children. They should be avoided in patients with severe narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart, and should be used cautiously in those with kidney disease. (Next: Choosing from the four ACES of hypertension.)

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Sally

liveer asked:


Hypertension is one of the most commonly diagnosed and potentially serious health conditions in the world. Also known as high blood pressure, high blood pressure developed in both men and women of all ages, and although there are many possible causes, genetics is one of the main factors contributing to this condition.

Although each case of high blood pressure is different, the vast majority of patients with this condition have in common a certain anomalies of the arteries have an increased resistance in the small arteries in the body, the most distant from the heart.

Managing Hypertension

Once you have been professionally diagnosed as hypertension, you must take the appropriate steps to search for ways to management of hypertension. Properly managing hypertension means not only dealing with the condition that you are currently suffering, but also prevent your blood pressure rise from in the future.

One of the first and most important steps in the management of hypertension is a change in your lifestyle. You must see what you eat, avoidance of fatty acids and sugary foods and eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water, at least six to eight glasses per day. Exercise is also important to include in your new changes in lifestyle and will be significantly helpful for the management of hypertension.

One of the first suggestions that most doctors recommend for the management of high blood pressure is high blood pressure medication. Diuretics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers are the most commonly used medication for high blood pressure, and although in most cases these dugs success if they fail to a person who has the blood pressure under control then other classes of drugs can be introduced.

The most important thing is that you work closely with your doctor so that they keep an eye on your condition and ensure that the right improvement. If your condition to deteriorate more serious measures may be taken to check your blood pressure under control.

If left untreated hypertension can lead to potentially dangerous even fatal. It is known as the silent killer because its symptoms, if any notes are often so subtle and, more generally, that they often being associated with other conditions. This is the reason why you need to make your own health, especially as you grow older, and if you ever have any strange symptoms, you should talk to your doctor and have a reasonable assessment, rather than assuming you know what the problem is.

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Mary

Ugly Girl asked:


Every time I go they want to put me on blood pressure medication, which I always refuse because my blood pressure is ONLY high at the doctor’s. I hate doctors and the sight of one makes my blood pressure take a jump. It is perfectly normal the rest of the time; I know this because I went out and bought an electronic monitor to check it at home. It’s always normal.

Any tricks to keep it from jumping at the doctor’s office? I’m really sick of having this conversation every time I go.

Ernest

Sharon Bell asked:


 

Drugs that treat high blood pressure are either short-acting or long-acting. The former won’t control blood pressure throughout the day. To do this, you have to increase the dosage or take it several times a day.

In contrast, long-acting drugs can control your blood pressure much longer much longer or as much as 24 hours. You simply take one tablet at the prescribed time each day and get on with your life.

At first, doctors thought it didn’t matter whether you took one or the other. After all, both of these drugs lowered blood so what more could a physician ask?

However, recent studies show that not all antihypertensives can protect you from the complications of hypertension even if they lower blood pressure. While short-acting agents can make your blood pressure drop, the effects of these drugs vary greatly throughout the day – like a Ping-Pong ball bouncing up and down. Obviously, that’s to be expected when you’re playing Ping-Pong – but not when you’re treating hypertension.

These concerns were aired during the 16th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) in Glasgow in the United Kingdom. Dr. John P. Chalmers, ISH president, said the “Ping-Pong effect could lead to a rapid fall in blood pressure (hypotension), tachycardia (rapid heart beat), and other cardiac problems.

The same view is shared by Dr. Henry L. Elliot of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at the Gardiner Institute in Glasgow who said that short-acting drugs don’t seem to offer any protection against overnight hypertension and the subsequent rise in cardiovascular risk during the waking and early working part of the day.

This is bad news for people with hypertension since those with greater blood pressure (BP) variability appear to be at higher risk for end organ damage, according to Dr. Gianfranco Parati, associate professor of cardiology at the University of Milan in Italy. Parati said that the more your BP varies throughout the day, the greater your chances of suffering from cardiovascular complications.

To avoid this problem, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that drugs used to treat hypertension should not only lower BP but, more importantly, prevent fluctuations in BP which appear to be related to cardiovascular complications.

Because of their limited affects, short-acting drugs don’t meet these criteria. The FDA also warned against the use of high doses of short-acting antihypertensives to maintain smooth blood pressure levels for 24 hours since this could counteract the benefits of lower pressure.

Experts say the ideal antihypertensive should be long-acting with a continuous therapeutic affect that can be given once a day yet control BP for 24 hours before the next dose is taken. This will ensure that your BP levels remain stable throughout the day.

Since obesity is a factor in hypertension, it pays to lose weight. To help you shed those unwanted pounds, take Zyroxin, a safe and natural supplement that will maximize your weight loss through its unique fat-burning ingredients. For details, visit http://www.zyroxin.com.



Veronica

Nick Johnson asked:


Primary pulmonary hypertension is a relatively rare disease that occurs when the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery raises high above normal levels. The pulmonary artery is responsible for carrying oxygen-depleted blood into the lungs, where it will become oxygenated; flow back through the heart and go to the various areas of the body through the aorta.

This change in blood pressure can result in changes to the small blood vessels in the lungs, and it can put strain on the right ventricle since it will now have to work harder to move the blood into the lungs for oxygenation.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a somewhat rare disease to encounter, with only around 500-1000 cases diagnosed in the United States every year. This makes PPH a difficult disease to understand and diagnose, because few doctors will have much exposure to the disease throughout their careers.

The cause of the disease can also be elusive, although some cases have been attributed to a genetic predisposition, a disease of the immune system, exposure to certain chemicals and use of some types of medications. One culprit that is thought to contribute to the incidence of primary pulmonary hypertension is the use of appetite suppressants that contain the drug fen phen.

Symptoms of primary pulmonary hypertension can be somewhat vague, particularly in the early stages since the disease tends to progress slowly. Some symptoms might include shortness of breath, especially after exertion. A patient might also suffer from extreme fatigue, dizziness, fainting spells, swelling in the legs and ankles and chest pain.

A diagnosis is often made through a cardiac catheterization, in which a doctor inserts a thin tube through a vein in the arm or leg and threads it to the heart and the pulmonary artery. In most cases, the earlier the disease is detected and treatment is begun, the better the prognosis is for the patient.

Treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension varies greatly, depending on when you are diagnosed with the illness. PPH cannot be cured, but the symptoms of the disease can often be managed with the help of medication and/or surgical procedures. In extreme cases, a lung or heart/lung transplant may be necessary for patients who do not respond well to the medications provided.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a potentially serious disease with no known cure. However, an early diagnosis and treatment can help a patient to manage the disease most effectively. If you suspect that you are suffering from primary pulmonary hypertension, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis today.



Fernando

kanishkmanchanda asked:


Malignant Hypertension is caused by a severe rise in blood pressure, which refuses to come down. This condition occurs when the diastolic blood pressure shoots up above 120 mm Hg. Why this characteristic rise or increase in blood pressure takes place is still a mystery.

Malignant hypertension is very common among the people of African origin. It is also found to effect heavy smokers. Those who suffer from high blood pressure are prone to this horrible disease. Youngsters, children and pregnant women, too, are vulnerable to it. Therefore, there is no age group or category of people who are completely immune to it.

Since bringing down malignant hypertension is very difficult, it has a potential to damage some of our vital organs irreparably. The organs that usually get damaged are the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels.

The persons, struggling with malignant hypertension, may exhibit certain definite complaints. Headache and vomiting are frequent symptoms. Cases of confessional periods and less urinary discharge are not rare. Arms, legs and some other areas may experience abnormal sensations, and one may suffer from blurred vision. Malignant hypertension brings restlessness and anxiety. Sluggishness and poor concentration is also experienced by some. Acute weakness is felt and one may suffer from frequent chest pain and breathing problems with or without a cough.

What course would malignant hypertension take is rather unpredictable with the danger of injury to vital organs running high. The consequences could be life threatening, especially in case of the old and infirm.

A very careful approach is required for the treatment of malignant hypertension because if the blood pressure is suddenly lowered it may produce serious adverse effects. This sudden change is as dangerous as high blood pressure kept at a very high level for a long time uncontrolled. With the assistance of a well-qualified doctor, the high-pressure level should be brought down slowly. It doesn’t matter even if it takes several days to decrease the level, but it must be gradual. Carefully prescribed anti-hypertensive medicines should be administered to the patient. Total bed rest provides the much-needed relief and peace to the blood pressure strugglers.

Treated promptly and carefully, this disorder can be controlled to a large extent. When it comes to the malignant hypertension, the demarcation between life and death is actually very thin and feeble. Therefore, every possible care must be taken to get the blood pressure under control.



Holly

Alvin Hopkinson asked:


Chronic hypertension is basically the equivalent of high blood pressure. Blood pressure is judged by the force of the constriction of the blood vessels as the heart pumps the blood into the arteries.

If the blood flow rate is elevated this is called hypertension or high blood pressure. Either term is equally serious, hypertension can lead to heart disease and heart attacks as well as strokes. Adult hypertension is defined by the blood pressure being:

- 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or above. Systolic pressure is when the blood is being pumped by the contraction of the heart muscle.

- 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure or above. Diastolic pressure is when the heart is between the beats of pumping the blood. Basically, the short period of time the heart seems to be resting.

Women that have been previously diagnosed with hypertension or have been diagnosed before they reach their 20th week of pregnancy it is considered to be chronic hypertension. This can be a very serious condition, however generally less than 3% of women are diagnosed with chronic hypertension while pregnant.

There are several risks that are associated with chronic hypertension in pregnant women. However, these risks are drastically increased if there are other problems. Such as PIH, which is pregnancy induced hypertension and diabetes.

Here is a brief list of the possible risks associated with chronic hypertension:

* Kidney failure in the mother.

* Bleeding from the mother’s brain.

* The mother can suffer from congestive heart failure.

* Continuous increase in the mother’s blood pressure.

* The blood does not clot properly in the mother.

* The placenta can detach itself prematurely from the uterus. This is usually referred to as placental abruption.

The unborn child can also be at risk. Here you will see a small list of some of the possible risks for the child:

* IUGR or intrauterine growth restriction. This is when the child is unable to grow properly because of the poor blood flow of the placenta.

* Stillbirth. This is when the child is unable to survive and is born deceased.

* Going into labor and giving birth to the child prematurely. Generally this is before the mother has reached 37 weeks of pregnancy.

In most cases a women will be required to continue taking medication to keep the chronic hypertension under control while she is pregnant. However, in some situations the doctor might prefer to change the prescription to decrease any possible negative reactions to the child.

In either case the doctor should monitor the blood pressure frequently throughout the entire pregnancy to ensure the baby and mother are as healthy and safe as possible.

The doctor should run lab tests frequently during the pregnancy. Some of the tests are urine and blood work. Here are a few of the tests that you might have to undergo during your pregnancy to monitor the baby and your condition:

* To keep an eye on the fetal growth the doctor might send you for several ultrasounds.

* Doppler flow studies. This is a test that can measure the blood flow by sound waves.

* The doctor will likely do a non-stress test to measure the fetal movement in connection with the fetal heart rate.

* A combination of a non-stress test and an ultrasound is another test called a biophysical profile.

For many women that want to become pregnant and have been diagnosed with chronic hypertension, they begin to feel they might not become a mother. However, you should consult with your medical care provider to determine whether or not you should become pregnant. Think about it and give yourself a few months before you actually make your final decision.

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



Michele

Avon Howard Jr asked:


Hypertension is a world wide common problem occurring mostly in the middle age. The people suffering from hypertension may fall into cardio vascular and renal problems. So, hypertension is the silent killer. The main cause of hypertension is the increased level of sodium in the blood which increases the systolic and diastolic pressure.

 

Moringa is the well known tree which is used to treat more than 300 diseases and disorders of the body. Moringa is the richest source of potassium as it contains 15 times the potassium content compared to banana. When the level of potassium in the blood decreases, the absorption of sodium naturally increases leading to hypertension. As Moringa contains sufficient potassium content it prevents the excess absorption of sodium thereby decreasing the blood pressure. Regular consumption of Moringa can increase the level of potassium and helps to reduce the pressure of the blood flowing to cells and tissues.

 

Moringa capsules are made using the pure Moringa Leaf Powder. Moringa leaf powder is nutrient rich and a vitamin supplement. Our Moringa Capsules are made from 100% vegetarian capsules. School and college students, who awake in late nights, can eat 2 or 3 capsules per day to relieve the stress. It’s one of the most secret performance enhancing products taken by athletes today who ingest mega-doses that help them physically and mentally. It’s great for people of all ages, especially oldsters who are losing their alertness. The high mineral and vitamin contents present in the Moringa leaf powder is a gift for pregnant women and mothers with new born babies. More than 40 basic nutrients should be present in our daily food intake. The most important thing about the nutrients is that they should be from a natural source. Then only, our body will absorb the nutrients. The vitamin and calcium supplements that we take are not fully absorbed by the body. This is mainly because human body can differentiate between the natural nutrients and the synthetic ones. And moreover, the Vitamins or Minerals, when intake separate, they won’t help much. In other words, the human body will reap the benefit only when the Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and the other nutrients are feed togetherMoringa Tree Leaf is organic and absolutely safe. There are no known side effects. Moringa capsules provide the necessary vitamins and mineral supplements for them.. It contains almost all the necessary vitamin, micro and macro minerals for the cell function

 

Moringa contains calcium which is 17 times that of milk. Calcium is needed for blood coagulation. It was noted that increased calcium intake will decline the incidence of hypertension. Moringa contains both potassium and calcium in greater proportion makes the hypertension patient to reduce their pressure.

 

Moringa is the best supplement for the healthy life as it contains 90 + nutrients and 46 antioxidants. All the nutrients when consumed regularly will improve our nutritional status of our body. It is difficult for us to take Moringa daily as the present world need variety in their diet. Grenera Nutrients introduced Yelixir Moringa capsules which is made from 100% pure natural Moringa as a supplement for the healthy life. Yelixir Moringa capsules are prepared from Moringa powder which is dried powder product of Moringa with out any addition synthetic compound, for further details and purchase of Yelixir Moringa capsules and Moringa powder visit http://www.yelixir.com. You can also visit http://www.moringacapsules.com

 



Ida

kamin_kr asked:


Try to identify three things that could cause this.

Jay

jennylane1965 asked:


I am curious if anyone knows what kinds of things can cause high blood pressure, even temporary. I’ve heard of sleep deprivation causing it, but it doesnt seem like not getting enough sleep could cause you to have a real blood pressure problem. Could caffeine or soda consumption affect your blood pressure?

Suzanne