Hypertension; Facts You Need

WHAT IS HYPERTENSION?

Hypertension is derived from two root words; Hyper meaning High and Tension meaning Pressure. Hypertension simply means high blood pressure. Pressure is the force generated when the heart contracts and pump blood through the blood vessels that conduct the blood to various parts of the blood.
Although hypertension does not mean or result from excessive emotional tension, but evidence shows that stress and emotional tension do cause increase in blood pressure, and if continuous, could be sustained.
High blood pressure is therefore generally defined as a blood pressure exceeding 140/90mmHg confirmed on multiple occasions. The top number (140) is called the SYSTOLIC PRESSURE, and it represents the pressure in the blood vessels (arteries) as the heart contracts and pump blood into circulation. The bottom number (90) is called DIASTOLIC PRESSURE, and it represents the pressure in the blood vessels as the heart relaxes after contraction. These figures measured in millimeters of Mercury (mmHg) reflect the highest and lowest pressures the heart and blood vessels are exposed to during circulation. The generally accepted normal value for blood pressure is 120/80mmHg. Above this value but less than 140/90mmHg is not considered to be hypertensive yet but signals danger, it is therefore called High normal.

An elevation of the blood pressure (Hypertension) increases the risk of developing Heart (Cardiac) diseases such as Heart Failure and Heart attack, Kidney diseases, Vascular diseases like athelosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of blood vessels), Eye damage and Stroke (brain damage).
These complications called End organ damage arise as a result of long standing (chronic) hypertension. But victims of hypertension are not aware, at an early stage, that they have the disease, until these complications start appearing. This is because hypertension shows virtually no signs/symptoms at the early stage. For this reason, it is generally referred to as the 'Silent Killer'.

The damage caused by hypertension increases in severity as the blood pressure increases. Based on this hypertension can be classified as follows:

CATEGORY SYSTOLIC(mmHg) DIASTOLIC(mmHg)
Normal Less than 130 Less than 85
High Normal 130 - 139 85 - 89
Mild Hypertension 140 - 159 90 - 99
Moderate Hypertension 160 - 179 100 - 109
Severe Hypertension 180 - 209 110 - 119
Very Severe Hypertension Greater than 210 Greater than 120

BORDERLINE HYPERTENSION.

Borderline Hypertension is defined as mildly elevated blood pressure that is found to be higher than 140/90mmHg at some times and lower than that at other times.

Patients with borderline value need to have their blood pressure monitored more frequently. They also need to assess end organ damage to be aware of the significance of their hypertension.

It should, however, be emphasized that patients with borderline hypertension have a higher tendency to develop a more sustained hypertension as they get older. They stand a modest risk of having heart related diseases. A close monitoring of their blood pressure and lifestyles could be very useful in this regard.

WHITE COAT HYPERTENSION

A single elevated blood pressure reading in the doctor's office could be misleading, because the elevation might only be temporary. Evidence over the years has shown that anxiety related to the stress of the examination and fear of the result often result in blood pressure elevation noticed in the doctor's office only. Infact, it has been suggested that one out of every four persons thought to have mild hypertension, actually may have normal blood pressure outside the physician's office. This sort of elevated blood pressure noticed in the physician's office is called 'White Coat Hypertension'. Suggesting that the white coat, symbolic of the physician, induces the patient's anxiety and a passing increase in blood pressure. Accordingly, monitoring of blood pressure at home, when in a more relaxed state of mind, can provide a more reliable estimate of the frequency and/or consistency of blood pressure changes.

WHAT CAUSES HYPERTENSION?

The Blood pressure is determined by two major parameters; Cardiac output i.e. the volume of blood pumped by the heart, and the Total peripheral resistance i.e. the resistance of the blood vessels through which blood flows. Hypertension is therefore an end result of either increased force of pumping by the heart, or constriction/narrowing of blood vessels causing increased resistance to blood flow or both.
Using the cause of hypertension as a yardstick, two major types of hypertension can be described;

Essential Hypertension

Secondary hypertension

The former also called Primary or Idiopathic hypertension is by far the most prevalent type of hypertension. It accounts for over 90% of all hypertension cases. No clear cut cause(s) can be identified for this type of accommodation, hence the name Idiopathic.

The later accounts for less than 10% of all cases. In this case, the hypertension is secondary to an existing abnormality in one or more systems or organs of the body. The most common causes are related to kidney and hormonal problems. The persistent uncontrolled use of contraceptives, especially in females over 35years of age fall under hormonal causes of hypertension.

Since no clear-cut cause(s) can be adduce for the most common types of hypertension, as with the case with most non-communicable diseases, we therefore talk in terms of 'Risk Factors' and not causes. These Risk Factors are actions/inactions that increases chances of getting a disease. Several researches over the years have shown that some factors are directly or indirectly related to the occurrence of hypertension. Some of the factors include:

HEREDITARY: High blood pressure tends to run in some families and races. It is believed that some inherited traits predispose some people to hypertension. For example, high blood pressure tends to be more prevalent in blacks than whites.

A family history of hypertension increases one chances of high blood pressure. Regular monitoring of blood pressure becomes very vital.
HIGH SALT INTAKE: High intake of Sodium Chloride (table salt) has being linked to high blood pressure. The condition develops mostly in societies or communities that have a fairly high intake of salt, exceeding 5.8grams daily. In fact, salt intake may be a particularly important factor in relation to essential hypertension that is associated with advancing age, black racial background, hereditary susceptibility, obesity and kidney failure. Research has shown that:

a. Rise in blood pressure with age is directly related to increase level of sat intake, especially in blacks.

b. People who consume little sodium chloride develop no high blood pressure when they consume more, hypertension appears.

c. Increased Sodium is found in the blood vessels and blood of most hypertensives.

Cutting down on salt intake is therefore a reasonable step in preventing hypertension

OBESITY:

A close relationship exists between hypertension and obesity. In fact it is believed that most hypertensives are more than 10% overweight. Fat accumulation in the trunk or abdomen is not only related to hypertension but also to diabetes and hyperlipideamia (excess fat in the body). Obesity can contribute to hypertension in several ways. For one thing, obesity leads to a greater output of blood, because the heart has to pump more blood to supply the excess tissues. The increased cardiac output then can raise the blood pressure. For another thing, obese hypertensive individuals have a greater stiffness (resistance) in the peripheral arteries throughout the body. Finally, obesity may be associated with a tendency for the kidneys to retain salt in the body. Weight loss may help reverse problems related to obesity while also lowering blood pressure. It has been estimated that the blood pressure can be decreased 0.32mmHg for every 1kg (2.2pounds) of weight loss.

The International standard for measuring overweight and obesity is based on a value called BODY MASS INDEX (BMI). This value is derived by dividing the body weight (in Kilograms) by the square of height (in Metres).

i.e. BMI = Body weight (Kg)

Height2 (Metres).
Note: 1ft = 0.305metres.
For adults, a BMI less than 25kg/m2 is preferred.
25 - 29kg/m2 is considered overweight and above 30kg/m2 is Obesity.

LACK OF EXERCISE:

Sedentary normal individuals have a 20 - 50% higher risk of developing hypertension when compared to very active individuals. Exercise lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. For example dynamic exercises such as brisk walking or jogging, swimming or bicycle ridding for 30 - 45mins daily or 3-5times a week may lower blood pressure by as much as 5 - 15mmHg. Moreover, there appears to be a relationship between the amount of exercise and the degree to which blood pressure is lowered. Thus, to a point, the more you exercise, the more you lower your blood pressure. Provided you do not over strain yourself. Normally, a particularly type of exercise is started, and gradually built up to a satisfactory level over time. Regular exercise reduces blood pressure, burn out unnecessarily fat and also makes the body healthier.

ALCOHOL AND SMOKING:

These two constitute the social factors most related to high blood pressure. People who drink alcohol excessively (over two drinks per day) have a one and half to two times increase in the frequency of hypertension. The association between alcohol and high blood pressure becomes particularly noticeable when the alcohol intake exceeds the above per day. Moreover, the connection is a dose related phenomenon. In other words, the more alcohol consumed, the stronger the chances of hypertension. This, probably will explain the prevalence of hypertension in populations where alcohol consumption is a habit.

Although smoking increases the risk of vascular complications (for example, heart diseases and stroke) in people who already have hypertension, it cannot be directly linked with increase in the development of hypertension. Nevertheless, smoking a cigarette can repeatedly produce an immediate, temporary rise in blood pressure of 5 - 10mmHg, but a permanent increase cannot be established. However, it is known that some substances in cigarette, e.g. nicotine, alters the composition of the blood and also affects the blood vessels.

Smoking and alcohol control are integral part of any effort towards the primary control of cardiovascular diseases in any population.
STRESS: Although the role of stress and other emotional factors in hypertension is difficult to define. However, it is known that stress causes a physiological rise in blood pressure and this could be sustained if the stress becomes chronic (prolonged).

A STICH IN TIME

Since lifestyle components such as dietary patterns, obesity, physical activity, alcohol and smoking have been recognized as important risk factors, steps to reduce the occurrence of hypertension or to alleviate the condition (for those who are hypertensives) should involve lifestyle modification.

Dietary modifications include restricting salt intake cutting down or cutting out alcohol, reduced fat consumption, and reducing weight if overweight. The American Heart Association recommends a daily consumption of less than 6grams of table salt for normal individuals, and less than 4grams for hypertensives.

A regular exercise program such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling e.t.c.
for 30 - 45mins daily or 3-5 times a week could be very helpful.

Conclusively, it is very important to remember that the only way to know if one's blood pressure is on the high side is by taking your blood pressure frequently. Normally, your doctor would do that for you. But for a more consistent and reliable monitor of blood pressure, a self-operated blood pressure monitor is crucial. Being very handy and always around, it allows you to follow up your blood pressure regularly and report an increase immediately.

Finally, always remember the WHO slogan "Know your Blood Pressure, if it's high have it treated". A healthy Heart adds life to years.
A stitch in time, they say, saves nine.

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How To Manage Hypertension

Research has shown that modest lifestyle and dietary changes can help treat and often delay or prevent high blood pressure. With these diets and lifestyle you are on your way to a healthy heart
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 take in too much of it. Much of the sodium we eat comes from salt we add to our food at the table or that "fast food" companies add to their foods. Act like a vegetarian, A vegetarian have healthier blood pressure level than the rest of us who are not vegetarian Adding some meatless meals or even meatless days to your lifestyle will benefit blood pressure in a couple of ways: First, it remove the saturated fat that's a natural component of meat. Second, it increases the plant foods you eat. There is potassium in many vegetables and fruits like banana, are known to help lower blood pressure naturally.

Focus on mineral-rich foods: specifically, foods that contain the following three minerals, all of which help bring blood pressure down in various ways: potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Garlic makes the blood to circulate well it is also helpfull. Include it in your meals always both raw and cooked.

Add supplements: a good basic multivitamin/mineral will boost your levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Omega-3 oils found in fishes and vitamin Bs will keep blood clots from forming so take them always to aviod heart attack and stroke. Aviod strees it will help your heart rest alot and hypertension will not come. No matter how much attention you pay to your diet, you might get that heart attack if you don't exercise.

A 30-40 minute brisk walk three times a week is enough to improve your fitness level and reduce your cardiovascular risk. If you have hypertension, you should aim to exercise for 30 minutes on five days out of seven, if not daily. Exercise will help you out in various ways,
lowers blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. It increases good HDL cholesterol that transports fat away from the arteries and back to the liver for processing and improves circulation by preventing blood clots that can lead to heart attack and stroke.

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Hypertension: How The Body Controls Blood Pressure

Hypertension is the term doctors use for high blood pressure. It's often referred to as a Silent Killer since many people may have no noticeable symptoms. Over 50 million people suffer from high blood pressure, but nearly one third aren't even aware of it. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, the nations' number one killer.

Those who do experience the symptoms of high blood pressure feel dizzy, headaches and sometimes nosebleeds. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms are felt, blood pressure is dangerously high. But many people with uncontrolled high blood pressure never have any of these symptoms.

Blood pressure is the force of the blood through your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your circulatory system. Blood pressure is reported as a fraction, with one number over the other. The top number, called the systolic pressure, is the force when your heart contracts, the bottom number, called the diastolic pressure, is the pressure when you hear relaxes between beats.

To measure your blood pressure, an inflatable cuff is wrapped around your arm, and air is pumped in. The doctor or nurse, while watching the pressure gauge, listens with a stethoscope for your pulse to disappear. The pressure at which your pulse can no longer be heard corresponds to the systolic pressure. The cuff is released and the pressure at which your pulse can be heard again is the diastolic pressure.

Like the pressure in your car tires, pressure is measure in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. Typically, healthy people have a blood pressure at or below 120/80mmHg. Your risk of heart or CV disease has recently been found to begin increase at a much lower level, blood pressure of 115/75. Blood pressure above 120/80 is considered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to be pre-hypertenson. A BP of 140/90 mmHg is considered too high, and represents a significantly increased risk of heart disease.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure is more common in certain racial and ethnic minority groups, including blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians/Alaska Natives.

Factors controlling your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can result from several factors. The heart itself can impact blood pressure. The heart muscles itself can enlarge, causing higher pressure of blood exiting the heart. Cardiomyopathy or enlargement of the heart muscle also increases blood pressure. Excess weight makes your heart work harder to pump blood through the body.

Extra fluid in your circulatory system as a result of lots of salt intake, kidney problems or other medical conditions also puts a higher demand on the heart. Increased blood volume also causes more constriction within the blood vessels, translating into higher blood pressure.

The blood vessels play an important role in your blood pressure. Usually, the arteries are elastic and can expand and contract in rhythm with the hearts pumping action. High cholesterol and the plaques that form cause the arteries to lose their elasticity. Each time the heart pumps, the vessel can no longer stretch, and a higher pressure is created. Just think about what happens if you step on a garden hose.

Smoking cigarettes constricts, or tightens your blood vessels, pushing the blood pressure even higher. Some medications you take such as steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nasal decongestants and other cold remedies, diet pills, cyclosporine, erythropoetin, tricyclic antidepressants and a type of anti-depressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitors can also contribute to increased BP. Oral contraceptive, which are hormones, can raise blood pressure and should be used cautiously and carefully monitored in patients with HTN.

Treatment for Hypertension

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will most likely order additional test to determine the cause of your elevated blood pressure. He or she will also recommend more frequent visits to monitor you. For moderate hypertension, lifestyle changes may be enough to normalize blood pressure.

One of the first things you can do is change your diet to avoid sodium or salt, and lower your fat intake. The National Institutes of Health's DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, and low in total and saturated fat. The DASH diet also reduces red meat, sweets, and sugary drinks, and it's rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein.

Increasing physical activity can help to lower your blood pressure. By doing at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, your risk of complications can be reduced. If you are overweight, starting a weigh loss plan can also help bring your blood pressure into the normal range.

If dietary and lifestyle changes alone don't normalize your blood pressure, the next step is medication. If your doctor recommend medication, it is vital that you take it exactly as directed. Because most people don't notice any symptoms of hypertension, even if you are feeling well, it is crucial to stick to your medication regimen. Never stop taking medication without discussing it with your healthcare team, even if you feel fine.

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Lower Blood Pressure Foods to Cure Hypertension and Avoid Heart Attacks

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is rightly called the 'silent killer'. It is the leading precursor of heart attacks which are the leading cause of death in most of the Western World.  Yet there are no noticeable signs, no symptoms to warn you. You don't know what your blood pressure is until you get it checked.

People die from its effects without knowing what it was that was killing them. And almost all heart attacks could be prevented. Starting with controlling blood pressure and keeping it at the ideal 115 over 75. Your risk for heart attacks goes up as your blood pressure goes up from there.

At 140/90 and up your alarms should be screaming at you; you could have a heart attack at any time. Your doctor will likely put you on beta blockers or other types of blood-pressure reducing drugs to avoid a calamitous heart failure ending in him having to find another patient to replace the vacancy you left.

So how did your blood pressure (BP) get to be high in the first place? And how do you lower your blood pressure naturally, without expensive drugs that come with nasty side-effects?  Start with lower blood pressure foods.

To begin with, high blood pressure correlates very highly with being overweight and being sedentary. It stands to reason. When you put on weight your body has to add more veins, arteries and capillaries to supply blood to the additional area. Your heart has to work harder, raise the pressure, to pump through all the extra tubes.

So the first lower blood pressure foods would be diet foods. Anything low-calorie, high fiber and/or in lesser quantities. Get your weight down to the recommended range for your height and frame.

Yes, it's easier said than done. Who said it was going to be easy? So what are you going to do? Wait until your first heart attack before you get Serious about controlling your weight? Take a look at the mortality tables. Your chances of surviving your first heart attack aren't all that good!

It's time to get serious about losing excess weight.  Ever hear the expression, "As serious as a heart attack!."?!  So the first approach to lower blood pressure foods is to find foods that help you lose weight.

The second step is to avoid the artery-cloggers: saturated fat and trans-fats. That means avoid animal fats, butter, oily cheese, pork in any form. Avoid tropical cooking oils (palm and coconut oils). Avoid bakery foods since they don't have to label their products. Most buy their oils for price, not health.

Replace these fats and most carbohydrates with fruits and vegetables, use only olive oil and salad oils with less than 2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoonful (no higher than 14% of the oil.) So lettuce and tomatoes are lower blood pressure foods. So are most salads and non-starchy vegetables.

Salt (actually, the sodium in salt) is a factor in high blood pressure for about 1/3 of the cases. So lower your salt intake. Use lemon juice and herbs instead. It is a good idea to get yourself a home blood pressure monitor and take your own pressure daily, say, in the morning before you get up.

That way you can watch your blood pressure coming down and see what tends to lower it and raise it. You can discover which foods are lower blood pressure foods for you and which are no-no's!

For more information on lower blood pressure foods, how to have normal range blood pressure and avoid heart disease, follow the links below...

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