High Blood Pressure

You've heard the term "high blood pressure" many times. But do you know what it really is? And how does it start? For reasons that aren't yet clear, the body system that regulates blood flow malfunctions.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common major health condition in the world. It is one of the leading causes of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death. It also can damage parts of the circulatory system-including blood vessels in the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys.

Sometimes called the "silent killer," high blood pressure is a disease that can go undetected for years. The higher the blood pressure or the longer it goes undiagnosed, the worse the outlook.  

Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls. It's normal for blood pressure to rise and fall during the day. High blood pressure, or hypertension, means consistently higher-than-normal pressure on

blood vessel walls. It happens over time as blood gets pushed with more tension through arterioles, or small

blood vessels, that become stiff and constricted. High blood pressure also damages artery walls and speeds blockage formation, narrowing the passage for blood. As blockage builds up in the arteries and blood flow is restricted, blood pressure goes higher.

High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder; the higher the pressure, the greater the work and the greater the risk of heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure can cause other problems: heart failure, kidney disease, and blindness. These problems result

from damage that high blood pressure causes in the blood vessels of the heart, kidneys, and eyes.

Hypertension isn't emotional tension or stress, although stress may raise blood pressure temporarily.Even calm, relaxed people can have high blood pressure. For some, stress may be a factor, although the evidence isn't clear-cut. Regardless, for the overall quality of your life, learn to relieve stress.

High blood pressure is a complex problem, and in most cases its causes are still unknown. Only about 5 to 10 percent of cases can be attributed to known health problems, such as kidney disease. Yet health experts can identify people with increased risk.

 There's a genetic tendency for high blood pressure. If there's been a woman under age sixty-five or a man under age fifty-five related to you in your family with hypertension or heart disease, your chances are higher.

 Extra body fat, especially around the

waist and midriff, increases the risk for high blood pressure. Excessive weight puts more strain on the heart.

For many people, blood pressure goes up as they get older. For men it's sooner, perhaps starting by ages forty-five to fifty. Women often are protected through menopause; for them, high blood pressure often starts about seven to ten years later. Even if you don't have high blood pressure at age fifty-five, you have a 90 percent chance of developing it during your lifetime.

For many in the population, an eating plan that's high in sodium may contribute to high blood pressure. There's no way to predict whose blood pressure may be sodium sensitive. Just in case, healthy normal adults are advised to limit sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams daily. For those with high blood pressure, the advice is: no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium daily. For everyone, consume more potassium-rich foods to help blunt sodium's effect on blood pressure.

 Smoking makes your heart work harder and raises your blood pressure.

 People with diabetes may develop high blood pressure if their condition isn't managed carefully another reason to control diabetes from its first diagnosis. Up to 65 percent of people with diabetes have it. 

If your blood lipids are high, they contribute to hypertension as well as to atherosclerosis.  Even if your blood pressure is between 120/80 to 139/89 mm Hg, be cautious. With prehypertension you'll likely develop high blood pressure later on. Take steps now to prevent it with healthful food and lifestyle choices  

Know Your Blood Pressure

A blood pressure measurement is two readings that look like a fraction. For example, an optimal reading is 120/80 mm Hg, expressed as "120 over 80" (mm Hg is millimeters of mercury). If it's less, that's okay.

The higher number on top is systolic pressure.That's the pressure when your heart (the ventricle)contracts, pumping blood out to your arteries.

The bottom number, diastolic pressure, is the pressure on your arteries between heartbeats, when your heart is at rest.

Repeated blood pressure measurements that are more than 130/85 mm Hg indicate a potential for problems, a greater risk of progressing to definite high blood pressure, and the need to have regular blood pressure checks. A measurement of 140 systolic or more, 90 diastolic or more, or both indicates high blood pressure, which requires treatment. Recent guidelines stress the importance of treating to achieve a pressure less than 130/85. Indeed, treating to these lower levels of blood pressure further reduces the incidence of stroke, heart and kidney damage, and other vascular problems.

When high blood pressure occurs, it means that the force of the blood in the arteries is excessive and many health complications can occur

Having a family history of high blood pressure doesn't necessarily mean you'll get it. And you can take preventive steps to lower your odds. In fact, many of the Dietary Guidelines promote blood pressure control and protect against hypertension.

 If you have a few pounds to shed, do so. Losing even 10 pounds, through smart eating and physical activity, may bring your blood pressure down-perhaps enough to avoid medication. As part of your weight loss plan, low-fat eating lowers blood lipid levels, too a benefit to heart health and diabetes management. 

 Fit in regular moderate to vigorous physical activity, at least 30 minutes a day, on most days. Sedentary living doesn't cause high blood pressure, but regular aerobic activity such as brisk walking, swimming, or biking may help bring it down. Moreover, physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight.

 Eat less salt, to help limit your sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams a day. Put the salt shaker away.Use Nutrition Facts on food labels to find packaged foods with less sodium. Ask restaurants to go easy on the salt in the foods you order. 

 Put dairy foods and other calcium-rich foods on the"menu." Three minerals-calcium, magnesium, and

potassium help regulate blood pressure. Calcium,and perhaps magnesium and potassium, which are all found in dairy foods, appear to be protective. 

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. 

If You Have High Blood Pressure...

Relax. Although it's a lifelong condition, you can control high blood pressure and live a long, healthy life.

The key is following your doctor's advice faithfully.Treatment likely will include a shift in your eating approach, weight loss (if you're overweight), more physical activity, smoking cessation (if you smoke),and perhaps blood pressure medication.

 Make a plan of action with your healthcare provider. If your doctor prescribes antihypertensive medication, take it faithfully. If other tactics, like weight loss,lower your blood pressure level, taking medication may not be forever. Follow directions for medications carefully. Different blood pressure medications work in different ways; some may interact with other med

ications for example, for diabetes or kidney disease.

If your doctor prescribes a sodium-modified diet,a registered dietitian can help you plan, follow through, and monitor your sodium intake.