Once the diagnosis of high blood pressure is made, it is important to start treatment even if one has no symptoms. Because there are no symptoms, many individuals delay treatment and then it is too late to reverse any of the complications. The treatment is life long.
Blood pressure goals aren't the same for everyone. Although everyone should strive for blood pressure readings below 140/90, doctors recommend lower readings for people with certain conditions.
Blood pressure treatment goals
140/90- for the health adult
130/80- for those with chronic kidney disease, diabetes or heart disease
120/80- for those with a weak heart
Drug treatment
The treatment of hypertension is straightforward. Over the last three decades various guidelines have been established. There are also numerous types of drugs used to treat hypertension and which drug the physician selects is based on his/her experience. For most individuals, a single drug may suffice, and in others multiple drugs may be required to control the blood pressure.
Showing posts with label high blood pressure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label high blood pressure. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
How should I manage my high blood pressure? part 1
Compliance
The major problem with the treatment of hypertension is that because individual has no symptoms, he/she refuses to take the medications. Compliance with blood pressure medications is a difficult problem and it is important for the individual to understand the importance of treatment. One may skip a day, but routine skipping of blood pressure medications is only waiting for a disaster to happen.
Self-care
Changes in lifestyle are not only a key to improving blood pressure, but are important for general good health. In addition to losing weight, one should make efforts to control the blood sugar, stop smoking, live an active life style and eat well.
Eat healthy. One should eat healthy and change the diet from eating too much meat to a more vegetable oriented diet. Limiting salt may help some individuals in the control of blood pressure.
Maintain a healthy weight. Make efforts to lose weight. Obesity is associated with other problems besides hypertension also.
Exercise: “Couch potatoes” better move along. Inactivity leads to higher blood pressure and worsens obesity.
Don't smoke. This is the ultimate taboo for many medical disorders. One should try to stop smoking. There are no magical drugs to help one quit smoking- cold turkey is still the best treatment.
The major problem with the treatment of hypertension is that because individual has no symptoms, he/she refuses to take the medications. Compliance with blood pressure medications is a difficult problem and it is important for the individual to understand the importance of treatment. One may skip a day, but routine skipping of blood pressure medications is only waiting for a disaster to happen.
Self-care
Changes in lifestyle are not only a key to improving blood pressure, but are important for general good health. In addition to losing weight, one should make efforts to control the blood sugar, stop smoking, live an active life style and eat well.
Eat healthy. One should eat healthy and change the diet from eating too much meat to a more vegetable oriented diet. Limiting salt may help some individuals in the control of blood pressure.
Maintain a healthy weight. Make efforts to lose weight. Obesity is associated with other problems besides hypertension also.
Exercise: “Couch potatoes” better move along. Inactivity leads to higher blood pressure and worsens obesity.
Don't smoke. This is the ultimate taboo for many medical disorders. One should try to stop smoking. There are no magical drugs to help one quit smoking- cold turkey is still the best treatment.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
What are risk Factors for high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is common in our society. Some individuals have a number of risk factors that increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. The risk factors that may influence blood pressure are categorized into either modifiable or non modifiable.
Not Modifiable Risk Factors
- Age. Blood pressure will occur once all individuals
reach a certain age. Men tend to develop high blood
pressure much earlier than female, but by the 6/7th
decade of life, most elderly people have some degree
of hypertension.
- Race. High blood pressure is particularly more common
among blacks, and occurs at a much earlier age compared
to Caucasians. Serious complications, such as stroke
and heart attack, also are more common in blacks.
- Family history. High blood pressure is more common in
families with a history of hypertension.
Not Modifiable Risk Factors
- Age. Blood pressure will occur once all individuals
reach a certain age. Men tend to develop high blood
pressure much earlier than female, but by the 6/7th
decade of life, most elderly people have some degree
of hypertension.
- Race. High blood pressure is particularly more common
among blacks, and occurs at a much earlier age compared
to Caucasians. Serious complications, such as stroke
and heart attack, also are more common in blacks.
- Family history. High blood pressure is more common in
families with a history of hypertension.
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