High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer
High Blood Pressure or Hypertension is known as the silent killer. It is a
condition that occurs without symptoms for many years and in most cases the
cause is unknown. Genetic or environmental are the most explained reasons.
Blood pressure is the pressure your blood gives against your blood vessel
walls as your heart pumps. Blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and
falls when the heart relaxes between beats despite the fact that there is
always pressure between the beats in the arteries.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury. Normal blood pressure
in adults should be less than 120/80 mm Hg. The higher, or top, number is
called systolic pressure and represents the pressure at the peak of each
heartbeat. It represents the when your heart is squeezing out the blood and
the lower, or bottom; number is called diastolic and represents the pressure
when the heart is resting between beats and filling with blood.
Blood pressure is measured using a medical instrument called a
sphygmomanometer A cuff is wrapped around a person's upper arm and pumped up
to create pressure. When the cuff is inflated, it squeezes on a large artery
in the arm, stopping the blood flow for a moment. Blood pressure is measured
as air is gradually let out of the cuff, which allows blood to begin to flow
through the artery again when the blood pressure in the artery is greater
than the pressure in the cuff. Listening with a stethoscope over the artery
allows a doctor or nurse to hear the first pulse as the blood flows
through. The systolic pressure is when the pressure is first heart and
diastolic is when the pressure disappears.
HBP or High Blood Pressure develops when there are expanded or contracted
veins, arterioles, capillaries, or arteries. This condition causes extra
pressure on the body with increased or blood flow. When the pressure
increases HBP develops it damages organs such as kidneys, or brain may
develop. It also causes eye problems, stroke, heart attack, heart failure
and kidney failure. Secondary factors to HBP such as smoking, high
cholesterol and diabetes can magnify the problem. Alcohol, sodium and
caffeine also trigger attacks. Medicines such as birth control pills,
NASDs, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, cold
medicines and corticosteroids can cause or intensify HBP. Illegal drugs
such as amphetamines and cocaine can add to the condition. Stress and
intense workouts can also cause HBP. Blood pressure changes from minute to
minute and is affected not only by activity and rest, but also by
temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, and medications.
There is a lot that I can do to eliminate many of the symptoms of high blood
pressure. You can eliminate or lessen this condition by having a healthy
weight for your height and exercise regularly to control or maintain weight.
Exercise also helps keep your heart and blood vessels strong and healthy.
Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. Lower your
fat intake and aim for healthy omega fats in your diet. Don't smoke. Keep
your stress levels in check. It may help to practice relaxation techniques
such as deep breathing exercises. Tai Chi and Yoga may help in stress
reduction. Decrease your sodium and avoid drinking too much alcohol. Know
your blood pressure and have it checked regularly because, although high
blood pressure is more common in adults, hypertension can occur at any age.
References
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=468
Family Doctor
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/heartdisease/risk/092.htm
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Health Central
http://www.healthcentral.com/high-blood-pressure/
Kids Health
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/heart/hypertension.html
