Blood Pressure Drugs
Hypertension
May 12, 2012 12:38AM
May 10, 2012 01:49PM
Lower Blood Pressure A Phone Call Away
Dropping high blood pressure might be just a phone call away. A new study has found that telephone support from pharmacists can help patients lower their blood pressure.
Apr 30, 2012 01:32PM
Whats Behind Teen Hypertension
Doctors may have found a new marker capable of suggesting a teen suffers from high blood pressure. Abnormal levels of uric acid, a build-up associated with gout attacks, may act as a mechanism for hypertension.
Though a cause and effect link between uric acid and hypertension was not found, researchers said the findings suggest uric acid may act as a biomarker of high blood pressure.
Apr 25, 2012 05:22PM
Are you overweight? Do you have a parent or sibling with diabetes? Do you have high blood pressure? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is time to get tested for diabetes.
About 25 million Americans, or eight percent of the U.S. population, are affected by diabetes. Unfortunately, a good portion of these people do not know they have the condition. This may be because they often have no symptoms.
Apr 21, 2012 01:00PM
Heart Risk Decreases with Pre-Hypertension
It's not uncommon for blood pressure to become elevated but still remain in the normal range as people age. That usually is associated with increased heart disease risk, but a study suggests that may not be the case for seniors.
Apr 19, 2012 12:29PM
Slamdunking Your Way to Longevity
High blood pressure patients that engage in regular physical activity may be reducing their risk of dying from heart disease or any cause to a level equal to lowering blood pressure up to 50 mmHg.
Apr 16, 2012 08:42PM
US and Canada Love Salty Fast Food
Ordering a Big Mac at a U.S. McDonald's? Chances are it's got substantially higher salt content than the same burger overseas. That's because sodium content varies significantly among fast food chains in different countries.
Apr 14, 2012 05:08PM
Fatty Foods Damage Arteries Early
Consuming a high fat diet doesn't just cause you to pack on the pounds. It also may prematurely damage your blood vessels, which could lead to high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Mar 28, 2012 08:10PM
Should Your OB/GYN Care for Your Heart?
The doctor many women know best - and see most often is their OB/GYN. So, your OB/GYN may be the best person to screen you for cardiovascular risk factors along with your annual exam.
Mar 26, 2012 04:04AM
Snacking on Raisins May Nip Hypertension
Grappling with blood pressure that is slightly elevated? Eating raisins regularly may offer a significant blood pressure benefit, says the first controlled research to study the dried grapes.
Mar 25, 2012 06:25AM
At least 90 percent of Americans consume more than the daily recommended salt intake, a leading contributor to high blood pressure. Most aren't even checking the sodium content of their favorite foods.
Video Overview: Blood Pressure
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (HBP) is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems."Blood pressure" is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways.
Overview
About 1 in 3 adults in the United States has HBP. The condition itself usually has no symptoms. You can have it for years without knowing it. During this time, though, HBP can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of your body.Knowing your blood pressure numbers is important, even when you're feeling fine. If your blood pressure is normal, you can work with your health care team to keep it that way. If your blood pressure is too high, treatment may help prevent damage to your body's organs.
Blood Pressure Numbers
- Blood pressure is measured as systolic (sis-TOL-ik) and diastolic (di-a-STOL-ik) pressures. "Systolic" refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. "Diastolic" refers to blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
- You most often will see blood pressure numbers written with the systolic number above or before the diastolic number, such as 120/80 mmHg. (The mmHg is millimeters of mercury—the units used to measure blood pressure.)
- Blood pressure doesn't stay the same all the time. It lowers as you sleep and rises when you wake up. Blood pressure also rises when you're excited, nervous, or active. If your numbers stay above normal most of the time, you're at risk for health problems.
- All levels above 120/80 mmHg raise your risk, and the risk grows as blood pressure numbers rise. "Prehypertension" means you're likely to end up with HBP, unless you take steps to prevent it.
- If you're being treated for HBP and have repeat readings in the normal range, your blood pressure is under control. However, you still have the condition. You should see your doctor and follow your treatment plan to keep your blood pressure under control.
- Your systolic and diastolic numbers may not be in the same blood pressure category. In this case, the more severe category is the one you're in. For example, if your systolic number is 160 and your diastolic number is 80, you have stage 2 HBP. If your systolic number is 120 and your diastolic number is 95, you have stage 1 HBP.
- If you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease, HBP is defined as 130/80 mmHg or higher. HBP numbers also differ for children and teens.
Outlook
Blood pressure tends to rise with age. Following a healthy lifestyle helps some people delay or prevent this rise in blood pressure.People who have HBP can take steps to control it and reduce their risk of related health problems. Key steps include following a healthy lifestyle, having ongoing medical care, and following your treatment plan.
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