Don't deny your high blood pressure: Manage it!

For some strange reason, people will vigorously deny having high blood pressure. "I'm nervous." "I fought traffic to get here!" "You wouldn't believe the stress I'm under!" or "Wait until I relax a little while and it'll come down." All are common reactions of those advised their pressures are high.

Yet high blood pressure, even by relatively lax definitions, is destined to affect the majority of Americans. Succumb to popular food and exercise patterns, and high blood pressure is as inevitable as death and taxes. Even if you're nonhypertensive at age 55, the Framingham Heart Study predicts a 90% likelihood you'll be hypertensive during your lifetime. Added to the inevitability of high blood pressure, conventional blood pressure treatment does not fully erase the risk of cardiovascular events from hypertension (according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, or JNC-VII 2003). In other words, threats to health from high blood pressure remain uncorrected even when blood pressure is fully controlled by medication (when conventional blood pressure targets are reached).
Like changing the oil in your car, proper management of blood pressure is a necessary prerequisite to obtaining full control over health. You can baby your car, wax it, lube and tune it, but neglect oil changes and you'll never get full life out of your car. In the same way, blood pressure control is a basic and absolute requirement in your effort to maintain optimal health. Why so much fudging on blood pressure? One factor is that blood pressure is variable. In the morning, just after arising, maybe your blood pressure is 104/78. Eat breakfast, have coffee, and your blood pressure is 128/74. Sit at your desk at work, have another cup of coffee, answer e-mails, take some phone calls, and you're now at 149/79. Eat lunch, perhaps overeat, sit back down: 140/64. A really annoying comment from a customer, blood pressure now: 164/68. Blow off steam with a friend, walk 200 feet to another part of the building, look at the picture of your family on your desk and remind yourself that there's more to life than work; pressure now 130/70. Life has many variables. So does blood pressure: Time of day; what you ate for your last meal; hormonal shifts; amount of sodium, calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your diet; your vitamin D status; mood; use of diuretics like caffeine; and so on. It's no wonder blood pressure varies! Blood pressure fluctuates in people with normal blood pressure. Blood fluctuates in people with high blood pressure, too, but it fluctuates more widely and stays in a higher range more frequently and for longer periods. But a person with normal blood pressure can occasionally have high blood pressure; a person with high blood pressure can occasionally have normal blood pressure. It's all a matter of degree and duration.

What exactly is blood pressure? Put simply, it is the force with which blood is propelled through your arteries. Unlike a river, which flows continuously downstream, blood flow is pulsatile, with ebb and flow driven by pumping heart

muscle. Heart muscle squeezes forcefully, propelling blood forward (systolic pressure). The heart then relaxes and flow ebbs momentarily (diastolic pressur). This cycle repeats itself 60 or so times each minute, every time your heart beats. Normally, arteries are flexible and "give" with pulsatile blood flow. When there is reduced flexibility or stiffness of arteries, vessels are less able to expand with bursts of flow and pressure increases. This is common in arteries lined with semi-rigid atherosclerotic plaque (often appropriately called "hardening of the arteries") or with any condition that simply adds rigidity to the artery walls. The fact remains that most of us will have high blood pressure. Hopefully, it won't occur until late in life, but for many it is a reality as early as our 30s or 40s. Denying it doesn't do much good. In fact, high blood pressure is one of the most controllable factors in health, with or without medication. With all that said, what is a normal blood pressure? That may be among the most contentious of questions. Next blog post: What if "normal" blood pressure is really high blood pressure?

Some interesting facts about high blood pressure

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Kevin Herron

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of blood against walls of arteries. Blood pressure has two readings. Systolic and diastolic. When heart contracts, pressure in arteries is called as systolic blood pressure and when heart relaxes, pressure in arteries is known as diastolic. You will be considered as hyperertensive patient if your blood pressure is above 140/90. High blood pressure has three stages. Pre-hypertension stage, stage 1 and stage 2 . Most of the times high blood pressure has no symptoms so it is often called as silent killer. Click this link to Know more about Symptoms of high blood pressure causes, diet and treatment. Hypertension has two types based on causes. Primary and secondary. Primary is also known as essential hypertension. Essential hypertension has no cause at all, where as secondary hypertension has known causes, and it is mostly seen in young individuals. It is very important to check your blood pressure at home or see your health care provider on regular bases. As age increases, chances of developing blood pressure also increases. Females have more chances of high blood pressure after menopause. If your parents or family members have high blood pressure, then you may also have hypertension at any stage of your life. Taking too much salt, alcohol, stress, anxiety, lack of exercise further increase chances of developing high blood pressure.

High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg. High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs. Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes. Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations. Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, includingACE inhibitors, ARB drugs, beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, and peripheral vasodilators. The goal of therapy for hypertension is to bring the blood pressure down below 140/85 in the general population and to even lower levels in diabetics, African Americans, and people with certain chronic kidney diseases. High blood pressure (hypertension) in pregnancy can lead topreeclampsia or eclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy). Pregnant women should be monitored closely by their obstetrician for complications of high blood pressure. Lifestyle adjustments in diet and exercise and compliance with medication regimes are important factors in determining the outcome for people with hypertension. High salt intake, obesity, lack of regular exercise, excessive alcohol or coffee intake, and smoking may all adversely affect the outlook for the health of an individual with high blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high. The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure,

represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed. An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart (cardiac) disease, kidney (renal) disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis), eye damage, and stroke (brain damage). These complications of hypertension are often referred to as end-organ damage because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. For that reason, the diagnosis of high blood pressure is important so efforts can be made to normalize blood pressure and prevent complications. It was previously thought that rises in diastolic blood pressure were a more important risk factor than systolic elevations, but it is now known that in people 50 years or older systolic hypertension represents a greater risk. The American Heart Association estimates high blood pressure affects approximately one in three adults in the United States -- 73 million people. High blood pressure is also estimated to affect about two million Americanteens and children, and the Journal of the American Medical Associationreports that many are underdiagnosed. Hypertension is clearly a major public health problem.

How is the blood pressure measured?

The blood pressure usually is measured with a small, portable instrument called a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer). (Sphygmo is Greek for pulse, and a manometer measures pressure.) The blood pressure cuff consists of an air pump, a pressure gauge, and a rubber cuff. The instrument measures the blood pressure in units called millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The cuff is placed around the upper arm and inflated with an air pump to a pressure that blocks the flow of blood in the main artery (brachial artery) that travels through the arm. The arm is then extended at the side of the body at the level of the heart, and the pressure of the cuff on the arm and artery is gradually released. As the pressure in the cuff decreases, a health practitioner listens with a stethoscope over the artery at the front of the elbow. The pressure at which the practitioner first hears a pulsation from the artery is the systolic pressure (the top number). As the cuff pressure decreases further, the pressure at which the pulsation finally stops is the diastolic pressure (the

bottom number). Measurement of blood pressure can also be done with electronic machines that automatically inflate the cuff and recognize the changes in pulsations.

What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?

Uncomplicated high blood pressure usually occurs without any symptoms (silently) and so hypertension has been labeled "the silent killer." It is called this because the disease can progress to finally develop any one or more of the several potentially fatal complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Uncomplicated hypertension may be present and remain unnoticed for many years, or even decades. This happens because there are no symptoms, and those affected fail to undergo periodic blood pressure screening. Some people with uncomplicated hypertension, however, may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness,shortness of breath, and blurred visionusually with blood pressure that is very high. The presence of symptoms can be a good thing in that they can prompt people to consult a doctor for treatment and make them more compliant in taking their medications. Often, however, a person's first contact with a physician may be after significant damage to the body has occurred. In many cases, a person visits or is brought to the doctor or an emergency department with a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or impaired vision (due to damage to the back part of the retina). Greater public awareness and frequent blood pressure screening may help to identify patients with undiagnosed high blood pressure before significant complications have developed. About one out of every 100 (1%) people with hypertension is diagnosed with severe high blood pressure (accelerated or malignant hypertension) at their first visit to the doctor. In these patients, the diastolic blood pressure (see the following section) exceeds 140 mm Hg! Affected persons often experience severe headache,nausea, visual symptoms, dizziness, and sometimes kidney failure. Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment to prevent a stroke (brain damage).

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High Blood Pressure (cont.)

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Take the Salt Quiz! Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures
Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

IN THIS ARTICLE High blood pressure facts What is high blood pressure? How is the blood pressure measured? How is blood pressure defined? What are the signs andsymptoms of high blood pressure? What are the different types of high blood pressure? Isolated systolic high blood pressure White coat high blood pressure Borderline high blood pressure What causes high blood pressure? The metabolic syndrome and obesity What are the causes of secondary high blood pressure? Renal (kidney) hypertension Adrenal gland tumors Coarctation of the aorta What is the treatment for high blood pressure? High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - Slideshow Take the HBP Quiz

Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips - Slideshow Patient Discussions: High Blood Pressure - Symptoms Patient Discussions: High Blood Pressure - Effective Treatments High Blood Pressure Glossary High Blood Pressure Index Find a local Internist in your town

What causes high blood pressure?

Two forms of high blood pressure have been described -- essential (or primary) hypertension and secondary hypertension. Essen condition and accounts for 95% of hypertension. The cause of essential hypertension is multifactorial, that is, there are several f hypertension. In secondary hypertension, which accounts for 5% of hypertension, the high blood pressure is secondary to (cause or systems of the body. (Secondary hypertension is discussed further in a separate section later.)

Essential hypertension affects approximately 72 million Americans, yet its basic causes or underlying defects are not always kn been recognized in people with essential hypertension. For example, essential hypertension develops only in groups or societies 5.8 grams daily. Salt intake may be a particularly important factor in relation to essential hypertension in several situations, and that is associated with advancing age, African American background, obesity, hereditary (genetic) susceptibility, and kidney fai Medicine of the National Academies recommends healthy 19 to 50-year-old adults consume only 3.8 grams of salt to replace th and to achieve a diet that provides sufficient amounts of other essential nutrients.

Genetic factors are thought to play a prominent role in the development of essential hypertension. However, the genes for hyper tiny portions of chromosomes that produce the proteins that determine the characteristics of individuals.) The current research in affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This system helps to regulate blood pressure by controlling salt balance and the

Approximately 30% of cases of essential hypertension are attributable to genetic factors. For example, in the United States, the among African Americans than among Caucasians or Asians. Also, in individuals who have one or two parents with hypertensio the general population. Rarely, certain unusual genetic disorders affecting the hormones of the adrenal glands may lead to hyper considered secondary hypertension.)

The vast majority of patients with essential hypertension have in common a particular abnormality of the arteries: an increased r tiny arteries that are most distant from the heart (peripheral arteries or arterioles). The arterioles supply oxygen-containing blood The arterioles are connected by capillaries in the tissues to the veins (the venous system), which returns the blood to the heart an become stiff is not known. Yet, this increased peripheral arteriolar stiffness is present in those individuals whose essential hyper obesity, lack of exercise, overuse of salt, and aging. Inflammation also may play a role in hypertension since a predictor of the d elevated C reactive protein level (a blood test marker of inflammation) in some individuals.

Understanding High Blood Pressure -- the Basics

What Is High Blood Pressure? High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the most common cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against artery walls as it courses through the body. Like air in a tire or water in a hose, blood fills arteries to a certain capacity. Just as too much air pressure

can damage a tire or too much water pushing through a garden hose can damage the hose, high blood pressure can threaten healthy arteries and lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Hypertension is the leading cause of stroke and a major cause of heart attack. In the U.S. alone, more than 30% of American adults have high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you'll probably find out about it during a routine checkup. Or, you may have noticed a problem while taking your own blood pressure. Be sure to see your doctor for a definite diagnosis, and take the opportunity to learn what you can do to bring your blood pressure under control. How Is Blood Pressure Measured? A blood pressure reading appears as two numbers. The first and higher of the two is a measure of systolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills them with blood. The second number measures diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure rises steadily from about 90/60 at birth to about 120/80 in a healthy adult. If someone were to take your blood pressure immediately after you'd delivered a speech or jogged five miles, the reading would undoubtedly seem high. This is not necessarily cause for alarm: It's natural for blood pressure to rise and fall with changes in activity or emotional state. It's also normal for blood pressure to vary from person to person, even from one area of your body to another. But when blood pressure remains consistently high, talk with your doctor about treatment. Consistently high blood pressure forces the heart to work far beyond its capacity. Along with injuring blood vessels, hypertension can damage the brain, eyes, and kidneys. People with blood pressure readings of 140/90 or higher, taken on at least two occasions, are said to have high blood pressure. If the pressure remains high, your doctor will probably begin treatment. People with blood pressure readings of 200/130 or higher need treatment immediately. People with diabetes are treated if their blood pressure rises above 130/80, because they already have a high risk of heart disease. Researchers identified people with blood pressures slightly higher than 120/80 as a category at high risk for developing hypertension. This condition is called pre-hypertension and affects an estimated 50 million American men and women. Pre-hypertension is now known to increase the likelihood of damage to arteries and the heart, brain, and kidneys, so many doctors are now recommending early treatment, though there is no evidence that this helps in the long run.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

What is high blood pressure? What causes high blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and it contributes to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis and the development of heart failure.

What Is "Normal" Blood Pressure? There are several categories of blood pressure, including: Normal: Less than 120/80 Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89 Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159/90-99 Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above People whose blood pressure is above the normal range should consult their doctor about methods for lowering it. What Causes High Blood Pressure? The exact causes of high blood pressureare not known. Several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including: Smoking Being overweight or obese Lack of physical activity Too much salt in the diet Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day) Stress Older age Genetics Family history of high blood pressure Chronic kidney disease Adrenal and thyroid disorders Essential Hypertension In as many as 95% of reported high blood pressure cases in the United States, the underlying cause cannot be determined. This type of high blood pressure is called essential hypertension. Though essential hypertension remains somewhat mysterious, it has been linked to certain risk factors. High blood pressure tends to run in families and is more likely to affect men than women. Age and race also play a role. In the United States, blacks are twice as likely as whites to have high blood pressure, although the gap begins to narrow around age 44. After age 65, black women have the highest incidence of high blood pressure. Essential hypertension is also greatly influenced by diet and lifestyle. The link between salt and high blood pressure is especially compelling. People living on the northern islands of Japan eat more salt per

capita than anyone else in the world and have the highest incidence of essential hypertension. By contrast, people who add no salt to their food show virtually no traces of essential hypertension. The majority of all people with high blood pressure are "salt sensitive," meaning that anything more than the minimal bodily need for salt is too much for them and increases their blood pressure. Other factors that have been associated with essential hypertension include obesity; diabetes; stress; insufficient intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium; lack of physical activity; and chronic alcohol consumption. Secondary Hypertension When a direct cause for high blood pressure can be identified, the condition is described as secondary hypertension. Among the known causes of secondary hypertension, kidney disease ranks highest. Hypertension can also be triggered by tumors or other abnormalities that cause the adrenal glands (small glands that sit atop the kidneys) to secrete excess amounts of the hormones that elevate blood pressure. Birth control pills -- specifically those containing estrogen -- and pregnancy can boost blood pressure, as can medications that constrict blood vessels. Who Is More Likely to Develop High Blood Pressure? People with family members who have high blood pressure. People who smoke. African-Americans. Women who are pregnant. Women who take birth control pills. People over the age of 35. People who are overweight or obese. People who are not active. People who drink alcohol excessively. People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt.

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

Although the exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown, there are several factors and conditions that may increase risk. Being overweight or obese Smoking Little or no exercise Too much salt in the diet Drinking too much alcohol Stress Ethnic background History of high blood pressure in the family

How Can I Prevent High Blood Pressure? You can prevent high blood pressure by:

Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight can make you two to six times more likely to develop high blood pressure than if you are at your desirable weight. Even small amounts of weight loss can make a big difference in helping to prevent and treat high blood pressure. Getting regular exercise: People who are physically active have a lower risk of getting high blood pressure -- 20%-50% lower -- than people who are not active. You don't have to be a marathon runner to benefit from physical activity. Even light activities, if done daily, can help lower your risk. Reducing salt intake: Often, when people with high blood pressure cut back on salt, their blood pressure falls. Cutting back on salt also prevents blood pressure from rising. Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. So to help prevent high blood pressure, if you drink alcohol, limit how much you drink to no more than two drinks a day. The "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" recommend that for overall health, women should limit their alcohol to no more than one drink a day. Reduce Stress: Stress can make blood pressure go up and over time may contribute to the cause of high blood pressure. There are many steps you can take to reduce your stress. The article on easing stress will get you started. Other things, like dietary supplements, may also help prevent high blood pressure. Here's a roundup of what's being said about them.

Potassium. Eating foods rich in potassium will help protect some people from developing high blood pressure. You probably can get enough potassium from your diet, so a supplement isn't necessary. Many fruits, vegetables, dairy foods, and fish are good sources of potassium. Calcium. Populations with low calcium intakes have high rates of high blood pressure. However, it has not been proven that taking calcium tablets will prevent high blood pressure. But it is important to be sure to get at least the recommended amount of calcium -- 1,000 milligrams per day for adults 19 to 50 years old and 1,200 mg for those over 50 (pregnant and breastfeeding women also need more) -- from the foods you eat. Dairy foods like low-fat selections of milk, yogurt, and cheese are good sources of calcium. Low-fat and nonfat dairy products have even more calcium than the high-fat types. Magnesium. A diet low in magnesium may make your blood pressure rise. But doctors don't recommend taking extra magnesium to help prevent high blood pressure -- the amount you get in a healthy diet is enough. Magnesium is found in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dry peas and beans. Fish oils. A type of fat called "omega-3 fatty acids" is found in fatty fish like mackerel and salmon. Large amounts of fish oils may help reduce high blood pressure, but their role in prevention is unclear. Taking fish oil pills is not recommended because high doses can cause unpleasant side effects. The pills are also high in fat and calories. Of course, most fish, if not fried or made with added fat, is low in saturated fat and calories and can be eaten often. Garlic. There has been some evidence to suggest garlics effect in lowering blood pressure in addition to improving cholesterol and reducing some cancers. Further research is being conducted to fully assess garlics potential health benefits. Always talk to your doctor before taking a dietary supplement or alternative herbal treatment. Some may interact with other medications you may be taking or have harmful side effects.

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Diagnosing High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often called a "silent disease" because you usually don't know that you have it. There may be no symptoms or signs. Nonetheless, it damages the body and eventually may cause problems like heart disease. Therefore, it's important to regularly monitor your blood pressure, especially if it has ever been high or above the "normal" range, or if you have a family history of hypertension. Because hypertension can cause heart disease, you may also need to be tested for heart disease.
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Atherosclerosis and High Blood Pressure About one in three adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. More than 90% of adults who survive into their 80s will develop elevated blood pressure, also called hypertension. Although high blood pressure is common, it's not harmless. High blood pressure is a major cause of atherosclerosis, the artery-clogging process that leads to heart attacks and strokes. Blood pressure higher than 140/90 is seen in: 69% of people who have their first heart attack 77% of people who have their... Read the Atherosclerosis and High Blood Pressure article > >

Measuring Blood Pressure You can get your blood pressure measured by a health care provider, at a pharmacy, or you can purchase a blood pressure monitor for your home. Blood pressure is most often measured with a device known as a sphygmomanometer, which consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, dial, pump, and valve. Blood pressure is measured in two ways: systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure during a heartbeat. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure between heartbeats. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is written systolic over diastolic (for example, 120/80 mm Hg, or "120 over 80"). According to the most recent guidelines, a normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is blood pressure that is greater than 140/90, while prehypertension consists of blood pressure that is 120 to 139/80 to 89 Blood pressure may increase or decrease, depending on your age, heart condition, emotions, activity, and the medications you take. One high reading does not mean you have the diagnosis of high blood pressure. It is necessary to measure your blood pressure at different times while resting comfortably for at least five minutes to find out your typical value. To make the diagnosis of hypertension, at least three readings that are elevated are normally required. In addition to measuring your blood pressure, your doctor will ask about your medical history (whether you've had heart problems before), assess your risk factors (whether you smoke, have high cholesterol, diabetes, etc.), and talk about your family history (whether any members of your family have had high blood pressure or heart disease). Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam. As part of this exam, he or she may use a stethoscope to listen to your heart for any abnormal sounds and your arteries for a bruit, a whooshing or swishing sound that may indicate that the artery may be partially blocked. Your doctor may also check the pulses in your arm and ankle to determine if they are weak or even absent. If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend other tests, such as: Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): A test that measures the electrical activity, rate, and rhythm of your heartbeat via electrodes attached to your arms, legs, and chest. The results are recorded on graph paper.

Echocardiogram: This is a test that uses ultrasound waves to provide pictures of the heart's valves and chambers so the pumping action of the heart can be studied and measurement of the chambers and wall thickness of the heart can be made.

TRAET

Lifestyle Changes to Treat High Blood Pressure A critical step in preventing and treating high blood pressure is a healthy lifestyle. You can lower your blood pressure with the following lifestyle changes: Losing weight if you are overweight or obese. Quitting smoking. Eating a healthy diet, including the DASH diet (eating more fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products, less saturated and total fat). Reducing the amount of sodium in your diet to less than 1,500 milligrams a day if you have high blood pressure. Healthy adults need to limit their sodium intake to no more 2,300 milligrams a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Getting regular aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking at least 30 minutes a day, several days a week). Limiting alcohol to two drinks a day for men, one drink a day for women. In addition to lowering blood pressure, these measures enhance the effectiveness of high blood pressure drugs. Drugs to Treat High Blood Pressure There are several types of drugs used to treat high blood pressure, including: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) Diuretics Beta-blockers Calcium channel blockers Alpha-blockers Alpha-agonists Renin inhibitors Combination medications Diuretics are often recommended as the first line of therapy for most people who have high blood pressure. However, your doctor may start a medicine other than a diuretic as the first line of therapy if you have certain medical problems. For example, ACE inhibitors are often a choice for a people with diabetes. If one drug doesn't work or is disagreeable, other types of drugs are available. If your blood pressure is more than 20/10 points higher than it should be, your doctor may consider starting you on two drugs or placing you on a combination drug.

High Blood Pressure Treatment Follow-Up After starting high blood pressure drug therapy, you should see your doctor at least once a month until the blood pressure goal is reached. Once or twice a year, your doctor will check the level of potassium in your blood (diuretics can lower this, and ACE inhibitors and ARBs may increase this) and other electrolytes and BUN/creatinine levels (to check the health of the kidneys). After the blood pressure goal is reached, you should continue to see your doctor every three to six months, depending on whether you have other diseases such as heart failure.

High Blood Pressure and Smoking

Did you know that smoking and heart disease are related? Or that smoking increases blood pressure? Most people associate cigarette smoking with breathing problems and lung cancer. But people who smoke are more also likely to develop hypertension and heart disease. About 30% of all deaths from heart disease in the U.S. are directly related to cigarette smoking. That's because smoking is a major cause of coronary artery disease especially in younger people. A person's risk of heart attack greatly increases with the number of cigarettes he or she smokes and the longer a person smokes, the greater their risk of heart attack. People who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day have more than twice the risk of heart attack than non-smokers. Women who smoke and also take birth control pills increase several times their risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
Get the 13 Best Quit-Smoking Tips Ever

How Does Smoking Increase Heart Disease Risk? The nicotine present in tobacco products causes: Decreased oxygen to the heart. Increased blood pressure and heart rate. Increase in blood clotting. Damage to cells that line coronary arteries and other blood vessels. How Can Quitting Smoking Be Helpful? If you quit smoking, you will: Prolong your life Reduce your risk of disease (including heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, ulcers, gum disease, and other conditions). Feel healthier. After quitting, you won't cough as much, you'll have fewer sore throats and you will increase your stamina. Look better. Quitting can help you prevent face wrinkles, get rid of stained teeth, and improve your skin. Improve your sense of taste and smell. Save money. How to Quit Smoking There's no one way to quit smoking that works for everyone. To quit, you must be ready both emotionally and mentally. You must also want to quit smoking for yourself and not to please your friends or family. It helps to plan ahead. This guide may help get you started.

What Should I Do First to Stop Smoking? Pick a date to stop smoking and then stick to it. Write down your reasons for quitting. Read over the list every day, before and after you quit. Here are some other tips. Write down when you smoke, why you smoke, and what you are doing when you smoke. You will learn what triggers you to smoke. Stop smoking in certain situations (such as during your work break or after dinner) before actually quitting. Make a list of activities you can do instead of smoking. Be ready to do something else when you want to smoke. Ask your doctor about using nicotine gum or patches. Some people find these aids helpful. Join a smoking cessation support group or program. Call your local chapter of the American Lung Association. Talk to your physician who may recommend medications to help combat nicotine craving and also help with information on using nicotine substitutes, such as a patch or gum. How Can I Avoid Relapsing? Don't carry a lighter, matches, or cigarettes. Keep all of these smoking reminders out of sight. If you live with a smoker, ask that person not to smoke in your presence. Don't focus on what you are missing. Think about the healthier way of life you are gaining. When you get the urge to smoke, take a deep breath. Hold it for 10 seconds and release it slowly. Repeat this several times until the urge to smoke is gone. Keep your hands busy. Doodle, play with a pencil or straw, or work on a computer. Change activities that were connected to smoking. Take a walk or read a book instead of taking a cigarette break. When you can, avoid places, people, and situations associated with smoking. Hang out with non-smokers or go to places that don't allow smoking, such as the movies, museums, shops, or libraries. Don't substitute food or sugar-based products for cigarettes. Eat low-calorie, healthful foods (such as carrot or celery sticks, sugar-free hard candies) or chew gum when the urge to smoke strikes so you can avoid weight gain. Drink plenty of fluids, but limit alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. They can trigger urges to smoke. Exercise. It will help you relax. Get support for quitting. Tell others about your milestones with pride. Work with your doctor to develop a plan using over-the-counter or prescription nicotine-replacement aids. 1|2
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Exercise Tips for Those With High Blood Pressure

Lowering high blood pressure can be a benefit of regular exercise. A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. Fortunately, it's a risk factor that you can do something about. It can also: Strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system. Improve your circulation and help your body use oxygen better. Improve heart failure symptoms. Increase energy levels so you can do more activities without becoming tired or short of breath. Increase endurance.

Improve muscle tone and strength. Improve balance and joint flexibility. Strengthen bones. Help reduce body fat and help you reach a healthy weight. Help reduce stress, tension, anxiety, and depression. Boost self-image and self-esteem. Improve sleep. Make you feel more relaxed and rested. Make you look fit and feel healthy.
Is Your Blood Pressure in Check?

How Do I Start Exercising? Always check with your doctor first before starting an exercise program. Your doctor can help you find a program that matches your level of fitness and physical condition. Here are some questions to ask: How much exercise can I do each day? How often can I exercise each week? What type of exercise should I do? What type of activities should I avoid? Should I take my medication(s) at a certain time around my exercise schedule? Do I have to take my pulse while exercising? What Type of Exercise Is Best? Exercise can be divided into three basic types: Stretching or the slow lengthening of the muscles. Stretching the arms and legs before and after exercising helps prepare the muscles for activity and helps prevent injury and muscle strain. Regular stretching also increases your range of motion and flexibility. Cardiovascular or aerobic exercise is steady physical activity using large muscle groups. This type of exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and improves the body's ability to use oxygen. Aerobic exercise has the most benefits for your heart. Over time, aerobic exercise can help decrease your heart rate and blood pressure and improve your breathing. Strengthening exercises are repeated muscle contractions (tightening) until the muscle becomes tired. What Are Examples of Aerobic Exercises? Aerobic exercises include: walking, jogging, jumping rope, bicycling (stationary or outdoor), cross-country skiing, skating, rowing, high or low-impact aerobics, swimming, and water aerobics. How Often Should I Exercise? In general, to achieve maximum benefits, you should gradually work up to an aerobic session lasting 20 to 30 minutes, at least three to four times a week. Exercising at least every other day will help you keep a regular aerobic exercise schedule.

Exercise Tips for Those With High Blood Pressure

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What Should I Include in My Exercise Program? Every exercise session should include a warm-up, conditioning phase, and a cool-down. Warm-up. This helps your body adjust slowly from rest to exercise. A warm-up reduces the stress on your heart and muscles, slowly increases your breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. It also helps improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. The best warm-up includes stretching, range of motion activities, and the beginning of the activity at a low intensity level. Conditioning. This follows the warm-up. During the conditioning phase, the benefits of exercise are gained and calories are burned. Be sure to monitor the intensity of the activity by checking your heart rate. Don't overdo it. Cooldown. This is the last phase of your exercise session. It allows your body to gradually recover from the conditioning phase. Your heart rate and blood pressure will return to near resting values. Cooldown does not mean to sit down! In fact, do not sit, stand still, or lie down right after exercise. This may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded or have heart palpitations (fluttering in your chest). The best cooldown is to slowly decrease the intensity of your activity. You may also do some of the same stretching activities you did in the warm-up phase.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for High Blood Pressure

There are many different types of complementary and alternative treatments believed to be effective for treating high blood pressure(hypertension). Scientific evidence indicates that -- in addition to adiet that is low in saturated fat and salt and rich in complex carbohydrates (vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruits) -- increased physical activity and regular practice of relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong could help to lower high blood pressure.
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Heart-Healthy Diet and Exercise Your doctor says you need to make some changes in your life: Start a heart-healthy diet, exercise a little, stop smoking, and more. You also walked away with some medication to take. Perhaps you're wondering: Why can't medicine alone do the trick? Does lifestyle really make a difference? Read the Heart-Healthy Diet and Exercise article > >

Diet to Lower High Blood Pressure One of the simplest and most effective ways to lower your blood pressure is to eat a healthy diet, such as the DASH diet. Doctors recommend: Eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods Cutting back on foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat Eating more whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts Eating less red meat and sweets Eating foods that are rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium

Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home

You don't always have to go to your doctor's office to have your blood pressure checked; you can monitor your own blood pressure at home. This is especially important if your doctor recommends your blood pressure be monitored on a regular basis.

Tips for Checking Your Own Blood Pressure There are certain factors that can cause blood pressure to temporarily rise. For example, blood pressure normally rises as a result of: Stress Smoking Cold temperatures Exercise Caffeine Certain medicines Try to avoid as many of these factors as you can when taking your blood pressure. Also, try to measure your blood pressure at about the same time each day. Your doctor may want you to check your blood pressure several times during the day to see if your pressure fluctuates. Before Checking Your Blood Pressure Find a quiet place to check your blood pressure. You will need to listen for your heartbeat. Make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed with a recently emptied bladder (a full bladder may affect your reading). Roll up the sleeve on your arm or remove any tight-sleeved clothing, if needed. Rest in a chair next to a table for 5 to 10 minutes. Your arm should rest comfortably at heart level. Sit up straight with your back against the chair, legs uncrossed. Rest your forearm on the table with the palm of your hand facing up.

High Blood Pressure Medicine Guidelines

Your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication you can take to lower your high blood pressure. If complications associated with high blood pressure are present, other drugs may also be prescribed. Whatever the treatment prescribed for you, it is a good idea to keep the following guidelines in mind when you're taking prescription drugs. Know the names of your medications and how they work. Know the generic and brand names, dosages, and side effects of your drugs. Always keep a list of your medications with you. Let every doctor you see know what drugs you take and if your medication or dosage has changed since your last visit. Take your medications as scheduled, at the same time every day. Do not stop taking or change your medications unless you first talk with your doctor. Even if you feel good, continue to take your medications. Stopping your drugs suddenly can make your condition worse. Have a routine for taking your medications. For example, using a pillbox marked with the days of the week, fill the pillbox at the beginning of each week to make it easier to remember. Keep a medicine calendar and note every time you take a dose. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose, but your doctor may change your dosage periodically, depending on your response to the drug. On your medication calendar, you can list any changes in your dosages as prescribed by your doctor. Do not decrease your medication dosage to save money. You must take the full amount to get the full benefits. If cost is a problem, talk with your doctor about ways you can reduce the costs of your medications. Do not take any over-the-counter drugs or herbal therapies unless you ask your doctor first. Some drugs may interact with each other causing undesirable effects.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for the dose you missed. Regularly fill your prescriptions and ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Do not wait until you are completely out of medication before filling your prescriptions. If you have trouble getting to the pharmacy, have financial concerns, or have other problems that make it difficult for you to get your medications, let your doctor know. When traveling, keep your drugs with you so you can take them as scheduled. On longer trips, take an extra week's supply of medications and copies of your prescriptions, in case you need to get a refill. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge what drugs you are taking. An antibiotic may need to be prescribed prior to your surgical or dental procedure. Also, let the doctor know if you are taking aspirin and/or any other blood thinners. Some drugs may alter your heart rate, so take your pulse regularly. Drugs that relax constricted blood vessels may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness when standing or getting out of bed, sit or lie down for a few minutes. This will increase your blood pressure. Then get up more slowly. If you have any questions about your medications, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.

5 Tips on Reducing Salt Intake

Eating less sodium can help lower some people's blood pressure. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Sodium is something we need in our diets, but most of us eat too much of it. Much of the sodium we eat comes from salt we add to our food at the table or that food companies add to their foods. So, avoid adding salt to foods at the table and use these 5 tips to reduce your salt intake: Take stock of the sources of salt in your diet, such as restaurant meals, salt-based condiments, and convenience foods. Some of these are really loaded with salt. Read the labels when shopping. Look for lower sodium in cereals, crackers, pasta sauces, canned vegetables, or any foods with low-salt options. If you think your meals are high in sodium, balance them by adding high-potassium foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Ask about salt added to food, especially at restaurants. Most restaurant chefs will omit salt when requested. If you need to salt while cooking, add the salt at the end; you will need to add much less. The longer the food cooks, the more the salty flavor is muted and at the end, the final taste is on the top layer.