Lower Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) has been
called "the silent killer" because it can cause
a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, or kidney failure,
often without any noticeable symptoms. Despite great strides
in the research, treatment, and awareness of hypertension
over the past 30 years, one in five Americans and about
60 percent of women between 65 and 74 have high blood pressure.
In the African-American community, the hypertension rate
is among the highest in the world.
The condition has reached epidemic proportions because
millions of people don’t even know they have it.
Hypertension is defined as either a consistent systolic
blood pressure (when the heart contracts) of 140 mm Hg or
higher; a consistent diastolic pressure (when the heart
relaxes) of 90 mm Hg or more; or both (140/90 mm Hg or greater).
A blood pressure reading below 120/80 mm Hg is considered
"optimal," according to the Sixth Report of the
Joint National Committee of Prevention, Detection, Evaluation
and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.
In about 90 percent of people with high blood pressure,
there’s no obvious cause for the condition, like kidney
disease or a hormonal disorder. However, it can run in families,
and it occurs more often in certain ethnic groups.
The best ways to lower your blood pressure are:
- Don't smoke.
- Exercise regularly.
- Follow a low-fat, low-sodium diet.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol to one drink per day.
- Reduce stress through relaxation exercises, such as
yoga.
In cases in which high blood pressure can’t be controlled
by lifestyle changes alone, antihypertensive medications
can help control the condition and keep your heart healthy.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring devices can help women
control their blood pressure. These portable instruments
allow people to measure their blood pressure regularly at
home. The monitors are programmed to take readings every
15 to 30 minutes throughout a 24-hour period. Because they
don’t interfere with a woman’s regular activities,
ambulatory monitoring devices are easy to use. The devices
are accurate, so physicians can easily diagnose high blood
pressure and monitor people’s responses to treatments.
References
- “Your
Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure: Prevention,”
NHLBI, 2003.
- “High
Blood Pressure Detection,” NHLBI, 2003.
Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14
Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040, http://www.RockHillCommunications.com
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors: Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Erin Murphy, Ron
Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D. - RockHill Communications
Date Written: 3/1/01
Last Reviewed & Updated: 5/31/2003 |
