Information and facts on High Blood Pressure / Hypertension

 

As the human heart pumps blood through arteries, the blood pushes against the walls of the blood vessels. In people who have hypertension, this pressure is very high. Whether a person's blood pressure is normal, high, or low, depends on many factors: output from their heart, resistance to blood flow of the blood vessels, volume of blood, and blood distribution to all of the organs. Each of these factors may be affected by the specific hormones and the activities of the nervous system. If blood pressure is raised, the heart must work harder to pump the required amount of blood to all body tissues.  This health problem often leads to kidney failure, heart failure, and stroke. In addition, high blood pressure is often associated with coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, kidney disorders, obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and adrenal tumors.

Over 50 million Americans have high blood pressure. According to the U.S. Public Health Service, hypertension affects more than 50% of all Americans over 65 years of age. The percentage of the African-American population with high blood pressure is around 33% higher than that for whites. African-Americans between 24 and 45 years old are eighteen times more likely than whites to develop kidney failure due to hypertension. Men normally develop hypertension more often than women, but the risk for women rises after menopause and will approach that of men. A woman's risk of high blood pressure also increases if she takes oral contraceptives or is pregnant. Because high blood pressure usually causes no symptoms until complications develop, it is known as the "silent killer." Warning signs associated with advanced hypertension may include headaches, sweating, rapid pulse, shortness of breath, dizziness, and visual disturbances. In the year 1990, nearly 33,000 Americans died of hypertension-related diseases other than heart attack and stroke.

Blood pressure is normally split into two categories, called primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that is not related to another disease. The exact cause is not known, however a number of definite risk factors have been identified. These include cigarette smoking, stress, obesity, excessive use of stimulants such as coffee or tea, drug abuse/addiction, high sodium intake, and the use of oral contraceptives. Another factor is that because too much water retention can exert pressure on the blood vessels, those who consume foods high in sodium may be at a greater risk for high blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is also common in people who are overweight which is an increasing problem in the USA even among children. Blood pressure can rise due to stress, since stress causes the walls of the arteries to constrict and get smaller. Also, those with a family history of hypertension are more likely to have high blood pressure and related health conditions.

When persistently elevated blood pressure arises as a result of another health problem, such as a hormonal abnormality or an inherited narrowing of the aorta, it is called secondary hypertension. A person may also have secondary hypertension because the blood vessels are chronically constricted or have lost their elasticity from a buildup of fatty plaque on the inside walls of the vessel, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are common signals of hypertension. The narrowing and/or hardening of the arteries makes circulation of blood through the vessels difficult. As a result, blood pressure becomes elevated. Secondary hypertension can also be caused by poor kidney function, which results in the retention of excess sodium and fluid in the body. This increase in blood volume within the vessels causes elevated blood pressure levels. Kidneys may also elevate blood pressure by secreting substances that cause blood vessels to constrict and get smaller.

A physician uses a device called a sphygmomanometer to diagnose high blood pressure. Blood pressure is recorded as a pair of numbers. The first number is the systolic pressure, which is the pressure exerted by the blood when the heart beats, forcing blood into the blood vessels. This reading indicates blood pressure at its highest. The second number is the diastolic pressure, which is recorded when the heart is at rest in between beats, when the blood pressure is at its lowest. Both numbers represent the height (in millimeters, or mm) that a column of mercury reaches under the pressure exerted by the blood. The combined blood pressure reading is then expressed as a ratio of systolic blood pressure to diastolic blood pressure. In a person with normal blood pressure, the systolic pressure measures 120 mm and the diastolic pressure measures 80 mm; together, this is expressed as 120 over 80, or 120/80. Both the systolic and diastolic readings are important; neither should be too high. Normal blood pressure readings for adults vary from 110/70 to 140/90, while readings of 140/90 to160/90 or 160/95 indicate borderline hypertension problems. Any pressure over 180/115 is severe. Note: it is impossible for your doctor or health care provider to make a correct diagnosis of high blood pressure with just a single reading. The test must be repeated throughout the day to be accurate. Home testing is best because it enables you to monitor your condition periodically during the day.

Other Changes To Make

• drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

• eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

• nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

• juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

• do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

• carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

• a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

• do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

• do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

• use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

• brown rice is good to eat

• avoid red meat and animal fats

• reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

• fast a few days a month

• get at least 8 hours of sleep 

• exercise light to moderate amounts

• avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

• do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

• do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

• do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

• do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.