What is Hypertension?
Blood pressure is the pressure at which the blood is pumped through your arteries. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as blood pressure greater than or equal to (> or = 140/90.) Nearly one in three American adults suffer from hypertension, and it is a chronic or lifelong disease for most people.
Hypertension is a silent and slow disease that can damage your blood vessels and cause hardening of the arteries. Most people do not have symptoms until later in the course of the disease. If left uncontrolled, Hypertension or high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and lead to heart attacks, or heart failure, in which your heart becomes enlarged and does not pump blood to your body as efficiently. Other diseases can also occur such as strokes, kidney disease, and damage to the blood vessels in your eyes. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attacks.
For most people (about 95%), the cause of hypertension is unknown and this form of hypertension is called "essential" hypertension=cause is unknown. It usually starts in the 20-30’s and has no symptoms. A small percentage of people have hypertension because of other known reasons, such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, stress, pain, alcohol and drug use, pregnancy. Certain medications can also increase blood pressure, such as birth control pills, decongestants, steroids, lithium, and some antidepressants.
There is also a condition known as prehypertension= which is a borderline state of high blood pressure. It is defined as blood pressure in the range of 120-139/ 80-89.
#1: hypertension is usually a chronic lifelong disease and is defined as a BP>=140/90 (for non-diabetics and those without heart or kidney disease)
#2: hypertension can cause damage to blood vessels
#3: This vessel damage can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other problems.
What do the numbers in a blood pressure reading indicate?
The first number in a blood pressure reading is the systolic blood pressure= pressure at which your heart pumps blood out and into your arteries. The second number is referred to as the diastolic number, and indicates the pressure between heart beats when the heart is at rest.
When do I need to be concerned about my blood pressure?
A normal blood pressure is defined as having a systolic pressure less than 120 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg (normal BP= less than 120/80). You may need to be treated for high blood pressure with medication if your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you have diabetes or chronic kidney failure, an ideal blood pressure is considered to be (diabetics or those with kidney disease or heart disease need BP lower than 130/80 and your doctor will need to be even stricter with your blood pressure since you are at greater risk for problems in the future.
#1: hypertension often requires medication in order to be controlled
#2: diabetics, those with kidney or heart disease need to keep their blood pressure less than 130/80
What are the Risk factors for hypertension ?
1. Family History
2. Obesity
3. Smoking
4. Not enough exercise or physical activity
5. being African American
6. Adding too much salt to your food
7. Older age (>45 for men, >55 for women)
Other causes of hypertension include: kidney disease, thyroid disease, long-term stress, pain, CAFFEINE, alcohol and drug use, pregnancy, and certain medications such as steroids.
#1: review the risk factors in the video
#2: avoidable risk factors include: obesity, smoking, stress, too much alcohol or caffeine, lack of exercise, too much salt in the diet.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
Most people do not have symptoms, but it is important to remember that even if you do not have symptoms, it does not mean that you can ignore the disease. Having high blood pressure is dangerous to your health. Eventually, untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, heart failure, strokes, kidney disease, and other problems down the road.
When your blood pressure is very high, however, you may experience severe headaches, vision changes, chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Please contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
#1: Most people do not have symptoms of high blood pressure, but organ and vessel can still occur even without symptoms
#2: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience of the symptoms mentioned in this video.
How is high blood pressure treated?
High blood pressure can be treated by: 1) getting regular exercise, 2) eating a healthy, low salt diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and other healthy low-fat foods, and 3) taking medication if recommended by your doctor. Make sure you talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Weight loss for obese patients may lower blood pressure. Relaxation techniques are also important for stress reduction.
Other good lifestyle changes include:
1. Stop smoking and cut down on saturated fats to decrease your risk of heart attacks.
2. Try to minimize alcohol and caffeine intake since this can elevate your blood pressure.
3. Talk to your doctor to see if certain medicines are causing high blood pressure.
It is very important to take your medication daily as prescribed by your doctor. Many people forget to take their pills or do not refill prescriptions in a timely manner. This can lead to damage to your blood vessels and organs.
#1: tips include: regular exercise, eat a healthy, low salt, low cholesterol diet, take medications as prescribed, stop smoking, avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine
What are the different types of medication?
1. Diuretics-these are water pills that help to remove excess water and salt from the body. Examples include : hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone
2. Calcium channel blockers-these help to relax blood vessels. Examples include: nifedipine, amlodipine, or diltiazem.
3. Beta blockers-these act to Slows down heartbeat and decreases the volume of blood being pumped from your heart. Examples: atenolol, metoprolol
4. ACE inhibitors-such as enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril.
5. Angiotensin II receptor blockers—these help Blood vessels to relax and become wider by blocking angiotensin II. Some examples: losartan, irbesartan.
6. Alpha blockers-also relaxes blood vessels. Example is: doxasocin.
These medications can have various side effects, such as dizziness, headaches, depression, and erectile dysfunction in men. Please consult your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your blood pressure pills. Different medicines can be used if you do not tolerate one type of pill.
Most people with high blood pressure should also take a baby aspirin if your doctor says it is OK with their meals to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, if you have stomach problems or ulcers, allergies to aspirin, or have other medical reasons that would prohibit aspirin use, you will not be able to take aspirin. Ask your doctor if adding a daily aspirin is right for you.
How can hypertension be prevented?
For many people hypertension cannot be prevented since it runs in their family. However, there are some things you can do to decrease your risk for high blood pressure, such as by maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and eating a healthy low salt diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is also advisable to stop smoking, and to drink alcohol only in moderation, since smoking and drinking larger quantities of alcohol can also lead to high blood pressure.
#1: ask your doctor which medications are right for you
#2: tips include: regular exercise, eat a healthy, low salt, low cholesterol diet, take medications as prescribed, stop smoking, avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine
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