You
may be surprised if your doctor says you have high blood pressure
(HBP) because it does not cause symptoms and you can have it even
though you feel fine. But HBP is a serious condition that can
lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and other health
problems. The good news is that there are simple ways to control
it.
What
Is HBP?
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. When that reading goes above a
certain point, it is called high blood pressure. Hypertension
is another name for HBP. As many as 50 million Americans may have
HBP. Among people age 65 and older, about 40 percent of Whites
and 50 percent of Blacks have HBP.
How Is It Tested?
To
test blood pressure, a doctor or nurse places a cuff around your
arm above the elbow, pumps air into the cuff, and then reads the
measurements as the air is let out. The test is painless and takes
only a few minutes. Your blood pressure measurement may be taken
several times. You may be asked to stand one time and sit another.
If your blood pressure is high the first day, the doctor will
want measurements from different days before deciding whether
you really have high blood pressure. These steps are needed because
blood pressure changes so quickly. Also, it is affected by many
things, including the normal feelings of worry during a visit
to the doctor. Because HBP is so common, everyone should have
his or her blood pressure tested once a year. Blood pressure readings
are given in two numbers. Although the average blood pressure
reading for adults is 120/80, a slightly higher or lower reading
(for either number) may not be a problem. If blood pressure goes
above 140/90, however, some form of treatment diet or drugs may
be needed. Lower blood pressure readings (for example, 110/70)
are thought to be safe for most people.
What
If Just The First Number Is High?
Often
in older adults the first number (the upper or systolic number)
is high while the second (the lower or diastolic) number is normal.
This condition is called isolated systolic hypertension, and it
also should be treated. Studies prove that lowering the systolic
number cuts down on strokes and heart attacks in people age 60
and over.
What
Causes HBP?
Some
cases of HBP are caused by other illnesses. This kind of HBP is
called secondary hypertension, and it is often cured once the
original medical problem is cured. Most HBP, however, is essential
or primary hypertension. This kind cannot be cured but can be
kept under control by regular, ongoing treatment. Doctors think
that many things combine to cause HBP. Being overweight, drinking
too much alcohol, and eating too much salt are risk factors because
they raise your risk of having HBP. They do not cause it directly.
Blood pressure goes up in all people during periods of stress
or exercise. But avoiding stress will not prevent high blood pressure.
You can have HBP even though you are usually a calm, relaxed person.
How Is HBP Treated?
If
you have mild HBP, your doctor may suggest that you lose weight
and keep it off, eat less salt, cut down on alcohol, and get more
exercise. You may bring your blood pressure down simply by following
this advice. Even if medicine is needed, these daily habits may
help it work better. Some people think that when their blood pressure
comes down, they no longer need treatment. If your doctor has
prescribed medicine, you may have to take it for the rest of your
life. Later on, though, you may be able to take less of it.
Can
HBP Be Prevented?
There
is now good evidence that HBP can be prevented in many people.
The keys to prevention are:
- Keeping
your weight moderate;
- Cutting
down on salt;
- Exercising
regularly; and
- If
you drink, having no more than two drinks a day.
HBP
Checklist
- HBP
may not make you feel sick, but it is serious and should be
treated by a doctor.
- You
can bring down your blood pressure with changes in diet and
daily habits and by taking medicines if necessary.
- Losing
weight, cutting down on salt and alcohol, and getting regular
exercise may be helpful, but only as suggested by your doctor.
Do not assume these are substitutes for medicine unless your
doctor says they are.
- If
one day’s dose of medicine is missed, do not double up
the next day. Instead, call your doctor for advice.
- Take
your medicine at the same time each day-for example, in the
morning or evening after brushing teeth to help set a regular,
easy to remember routine.
Reference:
from the National Institute on Aging
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