High Blood
Pressure (Hypertension)
What is high blood pressure (also called hypertension)?
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls
of the artery. The higher your blood pressure, the harder
your heart must work to pump blood to the rest of your body.
Without proper treatment, high blood pressure can lead to
many cardiovascular problems, including dilated pumping chamber
and valvular defects.
There are two measurements that determine your blood pressure:
- Systolic: The systolic number reflects the pressure against
the arterial walls immediately after the heart pumps. This
is the top number in the reading. For example, if your blood
pressure is 120/80 (described as 120 over 80), the systolic
measurement is 120.
- Diastolic: The diastolic number represents the pressure
against the arterial walls when your heart is at rest briefly,
between heart beats. This is the bottom number in the reading.
Using the same example, if your blood pressure is 120 over
80, the diastolic measurement is 80.
A normal adult blood pressure measurement is at or below
130 over 85. A reading above 140/90 is considered high, and
consultation from your doctor is necessary.
What are the warning signs and symptoms of high blood
pressure?
In most cases, high blood pressure does not cause any symptoms.
Many people assume that it is related to high levels of stress,
tension, and nervousness, but the truth is you can be a very
relaxed, easy-going person and still have high blood pressure.
The only way to know if you are hypertensive is to have your
blood pressure checked by your doctor. This should be done
routinely. Sparrow Hospital recommends that you visit
your family physician at least every two years to have your
blood pressure checked if it is normal. High blood pressure
can develop over time, and there are many treatment options
available to manage the disease. Prompt treatment can reduce,
your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and congestive
heart failure.
How is high blood pressure detected?
High blood pressure is detected using a blood pressure monitoring
device called a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure varies constantly;
so, if your doctor detects high blood pressure on one occasion,
he or she will usually take another couple of readings to
ensure the measurement is accurate. You may be asked by your
doctor to purchase a home B/P monitoring device.
What are the treatment options for high blood pressure?
Your doctor will discuss with you a variety of ways to control
and/or lower your blood pressure.
As with all cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle changes
are sensible, effective ways to reduce your chances of developing
cardiovascular disease. To reduce blood pressure in particular,
it is essential to:
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
- Eat a well-balanced diet low in salt, fat and cholesterol
- Manage stress levels
- Control your weight
- Reduce caffeine and other stimulants
For more information about how to change your lifestyle,
click here and learn more about prevention of cardiovascular
disease.
In some cases, lifestyle changes will not achieve the required
results. In this situation, your doctor may discuss medications
and/or procedures that can help to reduce your blood pressure.
Medications
- Adrenergic Receptive Blockers (Beta blockers) help regulate
the heart beat and decrease oxygen demand, lower B/P, protect
against heart attack and heart failure
- Diuretics remove excess fluid from the body
- Calcium channel blockers decrease heart contractility
and spasms, dilate arteries, help to treat
high B/P and angina
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors dilate
blood vessels to increase blood flow, guard against arteriosclerosis (plaque in the arteries), help strengthen
heart muscles, lower B/P
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers dilate the blood vessels
to increase blood flow
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Active Agents reduce
nerve activity which can cause B/P to rise
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