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| CHIEF DISORDERS OF THE HEART |
High Blood Pressure
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High Blood Pressure is also called as HYPERTENSION.Blood pressure measurements are read as two numbers. The higher number is called the Systolic Pressure. The lower number is called the Diastolic Pressure. Normal systolic pressure is 120 or less, and normal diastolic blood pressure is 80 or less.
High blood pressure means that there is higher than normal pressure inside the arteries either during systole (when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body), or during diastole (when the heart is at rest and is filling with blood).
* If the pressure is high during the pumping phase (systole), then the first number recorded with a blood pressure reading (the systolic pressure) will be high.
* If the pressure is high during the resting period (diastole), then the second number recorded (the diastolic pressure) will be high.
High blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, high blood pressure can damage these organs and tissues.
High blood pressure can affect the health in four main ways:
* HARDENING OF THE ARTERIES - Pressure inside the arteries can cause the muscles that line the walls of the arteries to thicken. Thickening causes the arteries to narrow. A heart attack or stroke can occur if a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart or brain.
* ENLARGED HEART - High blood pressure increases the amount of work for the heart. Like any heavily exercised muscle in the body, the heart grows bigger. The bigger the heart is, the less able it is to maintain proper blood flow. As a result, one will feel weak and tired and become unable to exercise or perform physical activities.
* KIDNEY DAMAGE - Prolonged high blood pressure can damage the kidneys if the arteries supplying the kidneys with blood are affected.
* EYE DAMAGE - If one has diabetes, high blood pressure can cause the tiny capillaries in the retina of the eye to bleed. This condition, called Retinopathy, can lead to blindness.
CAUSES
Blood pressure is classified as "Primary," or without a definite cause, and "Secondary," or related to an illness or behavior.
Factors that seem to contribute to Primary Hypertension in adults, and possibly in children, include the following:
* High blood cholesterol levels
* Being overweight
* Inactivity
* Smoking
Secondary causes of hypertension in children include the following:
* Illnesses
* Use of prescription or illegal recreational drugs (such as steroids taken to decrease inflammation, oral contraceptives, or cocaine)
* Obesity
* Immobility (such as with a chronic illness)
* Severe pain (such as with cancer or burns)
RISK FACTORS
* Sex:Male
* Age: Middle-aged and older
* Overweight
* Heavy drinking of alcohol
* Smoking
* Use of Oral Contraceptives (birth control pills)
* Sedentary Lifestyle
* Family History
* Kidney Disease
* Diabetes
* High-fat, high-salt diet
* Emotional Stress
SYMPTOMS
High Blood Pressure usually does not cause symptoms. The organs and tissues can be damaged by high blood pressure.
Occasionally, if blood pressure reaches extreme levels, one may experience the following symptoms:
* Headache
* Blurry or Double vision
* Abdominal pain
* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath
* Dizziness
DIAGNOSIS
Blood pressure is measured using a cuff around the arm and a device called a Sphygmomanometer.
Tests to make sure the high blood pressure is not caused by another medical condition and that it has not already caused complications include:
* Blood Tests
* Urine Tests
* Chest X-rays – a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
* Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) – a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle.
TREATMENT
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
* Lose weight if necessary. The doctor can recommend a safe weight loss plan and a reasonable target weight.
* Begin a safe exercise program based on the advice of the doctor. In addition, try to add physical activity into the daily life.
* Eat a low-fat, low-sodium, high-fiber diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, as recommended by the doctor.
* If smoking, quit.
* Drink alcohol in moderation. Moderate alcohol intake is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
* Consider counseling, stress reduction exercises, and meditation to decrease the stress in the life.
MEDICATIONS
* Diuretics
* Beta blockers
* Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
* Calcium channel blockers
* Alpha blockers
* Alpha-beta blockers
* Nervous system inhibitors
* Vasodilators
PREVENTION
To reduce the chance of developing high blood pressure:
* Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
* Exercise regularly.
* Maintain a healthy weight.
* Don't smoke. If smoking, quit.
* Drink alcohol in moderation. Moderate alcohol intake is no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
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| Last Modified :
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 |
Compiled and edited by the Editorial team and
approved by Expert panel of h4heart.com
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