Hypertension Fact

African and Hispanic Americans
African and Hispanic Americans have a much higher rate of hypertension. People of these ethnic groups need to be more diligent in getting their blood pressure taken on a frequent basis.

Alcohol and Hypertension
People with hypertension (high blood pressure) should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks or fewer per day. Alcohol consumption raises blood pressure.

Avoid Isometrics if Hypertensive
Hypertensive people should avoid isometric exercises like weight-lifting which can cause blood pressure to soar. Try aerobic exercises like walking and swimming instead.

Blood Pressure Machines
Only your doctor or other health care provider can tell you if you have high blood pressure. There are machines in stores and malls, but they SHOULD NOT substitute for the advice of a qualified professional.

Blood Pressure Measurement
As blood flows from the heart out to the blood vessels; it creates pressure against the blood vessel walls. Your blood pressure reading is a measure of this pressure. A health care provider may use a device called a sphygmomanometer, or blood pressure cuff, to take this measurement. The test is short and painless. When that reading goes above a certain point, it is called high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Normal Range
Because hypertension is so common, everyone should have his or her blood pressure tested once a year. Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers. The upper number, the systolic, is indicative of the pressure in your arteries while your heart is pumping. The lower number, diastolic, is indicative of the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest. The average blood pressure reading for adults is 120/80, but a slightly higher or lower reading (for either number) may not be a problem. If blood pressure goes above 140/90, a doctor may recommend some form of treatment.

Compare Food Labels
Read the Nutrition Facts on food labels to compare the amount of sodium in products. Look for the sodium content in milligrams and the Percent Daily Value. Aim for foods that are less than five percent of the Daily Value of sodium.

Cut Down on Sodium
A diet low in sodium (salt) can help ease high blood pressure. Keep your sodium intake under 2,400 milligrams per day. Read food labels for sodium content!

Don't Worry, Be Happy
Positive people have lower blood pressures than negative people. Keep a positive attitude to ease your hypertension.

High Blood Pressure
If a doctor tells you have high blood pressure, or hypertension, you may be surprised. High blood pressure does not cause symptoms. You can have it even though you feel fine. But high blood pressure is a serious condition that affects as many as 50 million Americans. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other health problems.

Marriage and Hypertension
The longer two people are married, the more similar their blood pressures become. If you have a high blood pressure reading, have your spouse's blood pressure checked, also.

New Blood Pressure Standards
New federal guidelines released May 14, 2003 say blood pressure levels once thought normal are actually high enough to signal "prehypertension" - putting those people at risk for high blood pressure later in life.

Normal Blood Pressure:
* Systolic - less than 120
* Diastolic - less than 80

Treatment:
* In otherwise healthy individuals: none
* In individuals with other diseases such as previous heart attack, diabetes, kidney disease, certain other diseases: none

Prehypertension:
* Systolic - 120-139
* Diastolic - 80-89

Treatment:
* In otherwise healthy individuals: none
* In individuals with other diseases such as previous heart attack, diabetes, kidney disease, certain other diseases: medically treat diseases

Stage one hypertension:
* Systolic - 140-160
* Diastolic - 90-100

Treatment:
* In otherwise healthy individuals: diuretics for most, possibly other drugs
* In individuals with other diseases such as previous heart attack, diabetes, kidney disease, certain other diseases: multiple medications

Stage two hypertension:
* Systolic - more than 160
* Diastolic - more than 100

Treatment:
* In otherwise healthy individuals: two-drug combo, usually one is a diuretic
* In individuals with other diseases such as previous heart attack, diabetes, kidney disease, certain other diseases: multiple medications

Obesity and Hypertension
Obese people are three times more likely to have hypertension (high blood pressure) than people of normal weight. Losing even a few pounds can make a significant difference.

Pets and Hypertension
Interaction with pets helps lower blood pressure, so take a dog or cat and call me in the morning :-)

Reducing Sodium When Eating Out
Measures to reduce dietary sodium when eating out include:

* Ask how foods are prepared. Ask that they be prepared without added salt, MSG, or salt-containing ingredients. Most restaurants are willing to accommodate requests.
* Know the terms that indicate high sodium content: pickled, cured, soy sauce, broth.
* Move the salt shaker away.
* Limit condiments, such as mustard, catsup, pickles, and sauces with salt-containing ingredients.
* Choose fruits or vegetables instead of salty snack foods.

Treatment of Mild Hypertension
With mild hypertension, a doctor may suggest exercise, weight loss and the reduction of salt (sodium) and alcohol intake. In some cases, these steps alone will reduce blood pressure to acceptable levels. There are also many medications available to treat high blood pressure.