Hypertension

HYPERTENSION

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects more than 57 million people, or one out of four Americans. Yet, many do not even realize they have the disease. Often, there are no warning signs or symptoms.

This disease leaves no one unharmed. It affects the old, the young, both genders, and all races and social classes. The American Heart Association calls hypertension “the nation’s most widespread cardiovascular problem.” If left untreated, it can cause heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

DESCRIPTION

High blood pressure is defined as above 140/90. The top number is the systolic pressure, which is a reading of the heart’s contraction. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, is the relaxation of the heart between beats. In simple terms, high blood pressure is higher-than-normal pressure on the artery walls.

CAUSES

High blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure is constantly elevated. It is not necessarily caused by prolonged aggravation or tension, although these may cause a temporary rise in blood pressure.

There a variety of possible causes for hypertension. It may be caused by any number of medical conditions, such as kidney disease or narrowing of the arteries. Short-term treatment or surgery can be performed with a cure likely.

Ninety percent of cases of hypertension have no known causes. These cases are called essential or primary hypertension, and require long-term treatment.

WHO GETS HYPERTENSION

Hypertension may occur in anyone, but is more common in older people due to hardening of the arteries at an older age. According to the American Heart Association, two out of three people over the age of 65 and three out of four over 75 have hypertension.

For unknown reasons, more blacks than whites tend to have hypertension. Other groups at high risk include those with hypertension in their families, those overweight, and heavy drinkers.

SUGGESTIONS TO LOWER HYPERTENSION

Follow a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats. These particular substances, when consumed in excess, are linked to hardening of the arteries. If you are overweight, special attention should be paid to consumption. Excess fat makes the heart have to work harder to pump blood, thus blocking the blood from flowing freely from the heart (hypertension).

Another way to help reduce high blood pressure is to lower your salt intake. Extra salt elevates the blood pressure by increasing the amount of fluid in the blood vessels. Avoid using the salt shaker at mealtimes, since many foods–especially canned goods–already contain a lot of salt in them. Stay away from items with salt or sodium at the top of the ingredients list.

Exercise is always good for the heart. It strengthens the heart and allows calories to be consumed instead of deposited as fat.

In addition, smoking and drinking can cause problems leading to hypertension. Smoking causes the heart to beat faster, thus lowering the amount of oxygen in the blood. Drinking should be limited to two drinks a day.

Finally, try to reduce the stress in your life. Meditation techniques or exercise can help lower your stress level.

It is important to get your blood pressure checked often. This is the only way to find out if you have hypertension. Your blood pressure should be checked at least once a year. It is an investment well worth making.