Managing High Blood Pressure

This a video about a lady telling her story about how she is living and managing High Blood Pressure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT2DmGVa2SY&feature=player_embedded

Myth vs Facts about High Blood Pressure

Exposing the truth pt 2:

Myth: Systolic pressure of 100 + your age is normal.

Fact: At any age, having a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is associated with a significantly elevated risk of developing hypertension-related cardiovascular disease, and medical attention is warranted. Optimal blood pressure for an adult is defined as below 120 mm Hg systolic and below 80 mm Hg diastolic; Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as below 130 mm Hg systolic and below 85 mm Hg diastolic. Normal target blood pressure goals may be even lower for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

Myth: Hypertension cannot be controlled.

Fact: Hypertension is easily detected and usually controllable. Making certain lifestyle modifications and taking medication as prescribed are the keys to controlling hypertension. Behavioral changes include losing excess weight, quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and eating a low-fat and low-salt diet. However, even with such behavioral changes, high blood pressure can still persist. Medication in conjunction with moderate lifestyle alterations is usually necessary to achieve the desired goal of below 140/90 mm Hg.

Myth: I don’t need to take my blood pressure medication, I feel just fine.

Fact: Hypertension can have non-specific symptoms that may go unnoticed for years. However, organ damage and other serious conditions develop over time. It is important to meet the target goal of below 140/90 mm Hg to help avoid long-term complications of hypertension and reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke. For people with certain conditions, like diabetes, target blood pressure goals are even lower (below 130/85 mm Hg.)

http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/high-blood-pressure.aspx

Myth vs. Facts about High Blood Pressure

Exposing the truth:

Myth: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is normal. 

Fact: Though more than 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, hypertension is not a "normal" condition. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood 2003 guidelines (JNC VII) defines hypertension as blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure (top number) or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure (bottom number). This is usually read as ³ 140/90 mm Hg, including both the top and bottom numbers in the measurement.

Myth: High blood pressure isn't really dangerous.

 

Fact: High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke involving almost 20 % of all adults and over 60 % of all senior citizens. It also can lead to other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney damage, dementia, and blindness.

Myth: In a blood pressure reading, the bottom number is more important than the top. 

Fact: Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers–the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). For many years, the focus of high blood pressure screening and treatment has been on diastolic blood pressure. However, clinical evidence suggests that controlling both the systolic and diastolic pressure is important to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Both the top and bottom numbers are important, and both should be within the recommended JNC VI goals.

http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/high-blood-pressure.aspx 

Living and Managing and asking questions always helps.....

Living and Managing:

From stopping smoking to safe exercise and laughing your way to a healthier heart, here are helpful tips on living with and managing your high blood pressure.

Questions to ask your Dr about High Blood Pressure No question is a dumb question so ASK!!!!

• What is my blood pressure reading in numbers?
  
• What is my goal blood pressure?
  
• Is my blood pressure under adequate control?
  
• Is my systolic pressure too high (over 140)?
  
• What would be a healthy weight for me?
  
• Is there a diet to help me lose weight (if I need to) and lower my blood pressure?
  
• Is there a recommended healthy eating plan I should follow to help lower my blood pressure (if I don't need to lose weight)?
  
• Is it safe for me to start doing regular physical activity?
  
• What is the name of my blood pressure medication? Is that the brand name or the generic name?
  
• What are the possible side effects of my medication? (Be sure the doctor knows about any allergies you have and any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements.)
  
• What time of day should I take my blood pressure medicine?
  Should I take it with food?
  
• Are there any foods, beverages, or dietary supplements I should avoid when taking this medicine?
  
• What should I do if I forget to take my blood pressure medicine at the recommended time? Should I take it as soon as I remember or should I wait until the next dosage is due?

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/highbloodpressur/a/hbpqadoctor.htm

Resistant High BP

When the medicine isn't working and your BP is just difficult to control......

If your blood pressure remains stubbornly high despite taking at least three different types of high blood pressure drugs, one of which should be a diuretic, you may have resistant hypertension. Resistant hypertension is blood pressure that's resistant to treatment. People who have controlled high blood pressure but are taking four different types of medications at the same time to achieve that control also are considered to have resistant hypertension.

Having resistant hypertension doesn't mean your blood pressure will never get lower. In fact, if you and your doctor can identify what's behind your persistently high blood pressure, there's a good chance you can meet your goal with the help of treatment that's more effective.
Your doctor or hypertension specialist can evaluate whether the medications and doses you're taking for your high blood pressure are appropriate. You may have to fine-tune your medications to come up with the most effective combination and doses.

In addition, you and your doctor can review medications you're taking for other conditions. Some medications, foods or supplements can worsen high blood pressure or prevent your high blood pressure medications from working effectively. Be open and honest with your doctor about all the medications or supplements you take.

If you don't take your high blood pressure medications exactly as directed, your blood pressure can pay the price. If you skip doses because you can't afford the medication, because you have side effects or because you simply forget to take your medications, talk to your doctor about solutions. Don't change your treatment without your doctor's guidance.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

When changing your lifestyle Isn't enough

Sometimes changing your lifestyle and eating healthy or even exercising more doesn't always help lower your BP so there are Meds you can take to help.

Here are some......

Thiazide diuretics. Diuretics, sometimes called "water pills," are medications that act on your kidneys to help your body eliminate sodium and water, reducing blood volume. Thiazide diuretics are often the first — but not the only — choice in high blood pressure medications. If you're not taking a diuretic and your blood pressure remains high, talk to your doctor about adding one or replacing a drug you currently take with a diuretic.

Beta blockers. These medications reduce the workload on your heart and open your blood vessels, causing your heart to beat slower and with less force. When prescribed alone, beta blockers don't work as well in blacks or in the elderly — but they're effective when combined with a thiazide diuretic.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These medications help relax blood vessels by blocking the formation of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers. These medications help relax blood vessels by blocking the action — not the formation — of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels.

Calcium channel blockers. These medications help relax the muscles of your blood vessels. Some slow your heart rate. Calcium channel blockers may work better for blacks and older adults than do ACE inhibitors or beta blockers alone. A word of caution for grapefruit lovers, though. Grapefruit juice interacts with some calcium channel blockers, increasing blood levels of the medication and putting you at higher risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're concerned about interactions.

Renin inhibitors. Aliskiren (Tekturna) slows down the production of renin, an enzyme produced by your kidneys that starts a chain of chemical steps that increases blood pressure. Tekturna works by reducing the ability of renin to begin this process

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

Fatcs to know about High BP

 High blood pressure Readings

         Blood Pressure              Systolic Pressure    Diastolic pressure          Normal                          90-119               60-79
           Pre Hypertension1         20-139               80-89
          Hypertension Stage 1    140-159              90-99
          Hypertension Stage 2    >=160                >=100

Why is high blood pressure a health concern

 When blood pressure stays high over time, it can damage the body , :heart, blood vessels, kidneys,and  other parts of the body.

High blood pressure symptoms

High blood pressure (HBP) itself usually has no symptoms it can cause headache but rarely

 Physical symptoms of high blood pressureHigh blood pressure has  no physical symptoms , it can exists without any visible physical symptoms for years and damaging the body

Eye symptoms of high blood pressureHigh blood pressure effect eyesight causing blood vessels in the eyes to burst or bleed. This may lead to vision changes or blindness.

Can high blood pressure cause headachesHeadache may be associated with high blood pressure cases but it is rare .

High blood pressure dietFruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other foods that are heart healthy and lower in sodium (salt), fat and cholesterol. Fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy products, fish, poultry, and nuts. less red meat (even lean red meat), sweets, added sugars, and sugar-containing beverages. Rich in nutrients, protein, and fiber are good diets.

http://www.squidoo.com/blood-pressure-facts