Alternative Treatments for High BP

There are many different types of complementary and alternative treatments believed to be effective for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). Scientific evidence indicates that a diet that is low in saturated fat and salt and rich in complex carbohydrates (vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruits), increased physical activity, and regular practice of relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong, can help to lower high blood pressure.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to lower your blood pressure is to eat a healthy diet, such as the DASH diet. Doctors recommend:

• Eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods
• Cutting back on foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat
• Eating more whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts
• Eating less red meat and sweets
• Eating foods that are rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium

Further topics:

• Physical Activity to Lower Blood Pressure
• Blood Pressure, Breathing, and Stress Management
• Herbal Therapies for High Blood Pressure
•  Supplements to Lower Blood Pressure
•  Acupuncture for High Blood Pressure

 Find them here: http://goldeneramart-healthjunction.com/alternative-treatments-for-high-bp/

5 Misconceptions About High Blood Pressure

Are you worried about high blood pressure in yourself, a family member, or a friend? Your concern is well-founded. If left untreated, high blood pressure -- also called hypertension -- can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Knowing more about high blood pressure can help you prevent this condition from damaging your health, or the health of someone you love. You can start by learning what's true about this condition -- and what's not. Here are five common misconceptions about high blood pressure: Find them here: http://goldeneramart-healthjunction.com/5-misconceptions-about-high-blood-pressure/http://goldeneramart-healthjunction.com/5-misconceptions-about-high-blood-pressure/

Dine Out Without Hurting Your Heart

For many people, eating out is something they do to relax and socialize. You don't have to give this up when you are on a low-sodium diet, but it is important to be more careful about what you order in a restaurant. Sodium is not just in table salt. Complete details here: http://goldeneramart-healthjunction.com

Difference in blood pressure between both arms 'reveal real health risk'

A difference in blood pressure between the right and left arm could indicate an increased risk of dying from heart disease, say doctors.

They discovered that a difference in systolic blood pressure of 15mm of mercury or more between the arms is linked to hardening of the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet.

Their findings come after they reviewed 28 papers looking at variations in systolic blood pressure between the arms.

A high blood pressure reading is one that exceeds 140/90mm of mercury. The first figure is called the systolic pressure.

The study, published online in The Lancet medical journal, found that a difference of 15mm of mercury or more was linked with a 2.5-fold extra risk of peripheral vascular disease.

PVD is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet.

The risk of cerebrovascular disease, which affects the blood supply to the brain and may lead to strokes, was increased 1.5 times. Study leader Dr Christopher Clark, of the Peninsula College of

Medicine and Dentistry at Exeter University, said it was likely one arm was giving a lower figure because of a reduction in blood flow, which could signal arterial disease.

He said it was also important routinely to check whether there was a significant difference between arms because the arm giving the highest figure was the ‘true’ reading.

Dr Clark called for GPs to take blood pressure in both arms and for people testing their blood pressure at home to do the same.

‘PVD is often diagnosed based on symptoms such as difficulty walking,’ he said.

‘By finding a difference in blood pressure between arms it is possible we could investigate potential problems at an earlier stage, even in patients who do not have high blood pressure.

‘This means we can do further tests to measure the blood pressure in the legs and where there is PVD give advice on stopping smoking and lifestyle, and if necessary blood thinning drugs or statins.’

By Daily Mail Reporter

High-Normal Blood Pressure Raises Heart Risks in Men

Earlier Study Showed Same Thing in Women

Jan. 17, 2012 -- Having high blood pressure in middle age is a major risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation later in life, and now new research links high-normal-range blood pressure with an increase in risk.

More than 2 million mostly older Americans have the heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation, which greatly increases their risk for stroke, heart failure, and death.

Researchers followed about 2,000 Norwegian men for an average of 30 years, during which time 270 developed atrial fibrillation.

Men whose systolic blood pressure (the upper number) was in the high-normal range at the start of the study were 50% more likely than men with normal blood pressure to develop the heart rhythm condition.

An earlier study in women who were followed for an average of 14 years also showed high-normal blood pressure to be associated with a higher risk for atrial fibrillation.

Prehypertension and Atrial Fibrillation

In the United States, high blood pressure is defined as a systolic reading of 140 or higher and a diastolic reading of 90 or more.

High-normal blood pressure, also known as prehypertension, is generally defined as having a systolic reading of between 120 and 139 and/or a diastolic reading of 80 to 89.

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular -- and sometimes rapid -- heartbeat resulting when the two upper chambers and two lower chambers of the heart are not contracting in sync.

Symptoms can include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, general weakness, or no symptoms at all.
In an effort to determine if the earlier findings in women also applied to men, researcher Irene Grundvold, MD, and colleagues from Norway’s Oslo University Hospital analyzed data from a study of men who were in their 40s and 50s when first examined in the early- to mid-1970s.

The men were followed for up to 35 years.

The study revealed that:

• Men with systolic blood pressure readings of 140 or higher when they entered the study had a 60% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation over the next three decades, compared to men with systolic readings below 128.
• Men with systolic readings of 128 to 138 at at the start of the study had a 50% increase in risk.
• Men with diastolic readings of 80 or higher were 79% more likely than those with lower diastolic blood pressure to develop atrial fibrillation over the next three decades.

High-Normal BP Is Patient Wake-Up Call, Says Doctor

On average, the men who developed atrial fibrillation did so around two decades after entering the study.

The findings appear in the February issue of the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Hypertension.
Prehypertension is common in people with metabolic syndrome, which is a group of risk factors associated with an elevated risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

“This study is another example of a metabolic syndrome trait being associated with higher [heart disease and stroke] risk,” says AHA spokesman Roger Blumenthal, MD, who directs the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Preventive Cardiology Center. Blumenthal says the findings should serve as a wake-up call for those with blood pressure readings in the high-normal range, adding that people with systolic blood pressure readings in the 130s and diastolic readings in the 80s should be counseled to make lifestyle changes that can improve the numbers.

"That means revving up your diet and exercise schedule and losing weight if you are overweight,” he says.

Earlier Study Showed Same Thing in Women

 

By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Dangers of Prehypertension

It's Not High Blood Pressure, Yet, but You Still Need to Address It

Is your blood pressure creeping up? ... Not quite in the high blood pressure range, but not normal, either?
That's prehypertension. And though it's not high blood pressure -- yet -- it may not be as harmless as you thought.
Here's what you need to know about prehypertension, and why you need to nip it in the bud.
First, the numbers:

• Normal blood pressure is below 120/80.
• Prehypertension is blood pressure that ranges from 120-139 for the top number or 80-89 for the bottom number.
• High blood pressure (hypertension) is 140 or higher for the top number, or 90 or higher for the bottom number, or you are taking a blood pressure medication.

The top number is your systolic pressure, which is the force of blood against your arteries as your heart beats. The bottom number is diastolic pressure, which is the pressure on your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.

Stroke Risk

Having prehypertension may make you more likely to have a stroke, especially in people younger than 65, a recent study shows.

"If you have prehypertension, and you're under 65, it really matters," says researcher and neurosciences professor Bruce Ovbiagele, MD, of the University of California, San Diego. "Most people who get to 65 already have hypertension."

Ovbiagele's team also found that stroke was more likely for people at the upper end of the prehypertensive range. But even if your blood pressure is not that high, it's wise to take action if your blood pressure is heading in the wrong direction.

"No matter what you consider your break point, any increase in blood pressure is generally a bad thing," says Richard Stein, MD, who directs the exercise, nutrition, and cardiovascular program at New York University's Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.

"It's causing the heart muscle to beat against a higher pressure, so [the heart] is becoming thicker," Stein says, adding that high blood pressure is also stressful for the kidneys.

Becoming More Common

More than a quarter of U.S. adults -- 28% -- have prehypertension, according to CDC estimates. About 20% of people who have prehypertension will go on to develop hypertension, Ovbiagele says. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and also a major risk factor for heart disease and kidney damage.

Prehypertension and hypertension are on the rise. They've become more common as the U.S. becomes more obese and sedentary, Stein says. You're also more likely to get prehypertension if you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of high blood pressure, Stein says.

Prehypertension is a particular problem among African-Americans. Researchers have reported that African-Americans with prehypertension develop high blood pressure a year sooner than Caucasians. Although the reasons why are unclear, experts do know that "blood pressure is very difficult to control in African-Americans," Ovbiagele says.

Stealth Threat

Prehypertension, like hypertension, doesn't show signs or symptoms. Many people don't know they have it, and doctors often overlook it, Ovbiagele says.

How do you know if you have it? The only way to know is to check your blood pressure, Stein says. In otherwise healthy people, elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure on two separate occasions -- taken two or three days apart -- is enough to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. You can take your blood pressure at home with a blood pressure monitor, or use the machine at your local pharmacy or grocery store, if it has one.

If it's consistently within the prehypertension range, tell your doctor so that you can get it under control before it becomes hypertension.

Taking Charge of Your Blood Pressure

The good news is, you can slow the progression to hypertension. Here's what experts recommend:

• Eat healthfully. Consider following the DASH diet, which focuses on eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and less saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol. It also restricts sodium, which can raise blood pressure, and emphasizes foods rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, minerals that help lower blood pressure. 
• Watch the salt. Although a recent study showed that lowering your salt intake may raise cholesterol and triglycerides, most experts still recommend cutting back on salt. Be on the lookout for sodium in canned, prepared, and processed foods. Avoid sprinkling too much salt on foods. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your intake to 1,500 mg a day.
• Move more. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day, most days of the week.
• Get to a healthy weight. Extra pounds make prehypertension more likely. Physical activity and healthy eating can help you shed extra weight.
• Limit alcohol. Try to drink no more than two drinks a day if you're a man or no more than one if you're a woman. If you don't drink, don't start.
• Curb stress. It's unclear whether chronic stress, by itself, can raise your blood pressure in the long run. But it can make you more likely to overeat and to skip exercise, Stein says. So try to change your circumstances, or at least how you deal with them, by practicing stress reduction techniques such as meditation.
• Check your blood pressure. If you can, buy a home monitor, and take your blood pressure twice day: once in the morning and once at night, Stein says. "One very high reading is concerning, but one alone isn't enough," he says. "You want to see how it changes over time."

By Winnie Yu
WebMD Feature
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

12 Possible Heart Symptoms Never to Ignore

Don't miss these 12 possible warning signs that something is amiss with your heart.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of U.S. men and women, accounting for 40% of all U.S. deaths. That's more than all forms of cancer combined.

Why is heart disease so deadly? One reason is that many people are slow to seek help when symptoms arise. Yes, someone gripped by sudden chest pain probably knows to call 911. But heart symptoms aren't always intense or obvious, and they vary from person to person and according to gender.

Because it can be hard to make sense of heart symptoms, doctors warn against ignoring possible warning signs, toughing them out, waiting to see if they go away, or being quick to blame them on heartburn, muscle soreness, or other less serious, noncardiac causes. That's especially true for men and people over 65, as well as for people with other cardiac risk factors, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure, obesity, smoking, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

"The more risk factors you have, the higher the likelihood that a symptom means something is going on with your heart," says David Frid, MD, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. "People often don't want to admit that they're old enough or sick enough to have heart trouble. Putting off treatment for other medical problems might not be so bad, but a serious heart problem can mean sudden death. It's better to go in and get it evaluated than to be dead."

12 Possible Heart Symptoms Never to Ignore

Here are a dozen symptoms that may signal heart trouble.
1. Anxiety. Heart attack can cause intense anxiety or a fear of death. Heart attack survivors often talk about having experienced a sense of "impending doom."
 
2. Chest discomfort. Pain in the chest is the classic symptom of heart attack, and "the No. 1 symptom that we typically look for," says Jean C. McSweeney, PhD, RN, associate dean for research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing in Little Rock and a pioneer in research on heart symptoms in women. But not all heart attacks cause chest pain, and chest pain can stem from ailments that have nothing to do with the heart.

Heart-related chest pain is often centered under the breastbone, perhaps a little to the left of center. The pain has been likened to "an elephant sitting on the chest," but it can also be an uncomfortable sensation of pressure, squeezing, or fullness. "It's not unusual for women to describe the pain as a minor ache," McSweeney says. "Some women say the pain wasn't bad enough even to take a Tylenol."

Women, more so than men, can also experience a burning sensation in their chest, rather than a pressure or pain.  "Sometimes people make the mistake that the pain comes from a stomach problem," says Nieca Goldberg, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at the NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City and another expert on women's heart symptoms.

3. Cough. Persistent coughing or wheezing can be a symptom of heart failure -- a result of fluid accumulation in the lungs. In some cases, people with heart failure cough up bloody phlegm.
 
4. Dizziness. Heart attacks can cause lightheadedness and loss of consciousness.  So can potentially dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities known as arrhythmias.
 
5. Fatigue. Especially among women, unusual fatigue can occur during a heart attack as well as in the days and weeks leading up to one. And feeling tired all the time may be a symptom of heart failure.

Of course, you can also feel tired or fatigued for other reasons. How can you tell heart-related fatigue from other types of fatigue?

"If you don't feel well and all the wind is knocked out of your sails, don't try to figure it out on the Internet or from a book," says Goldberg.  "Wasting time is dangerous."
 
6. Nausea or lack of appetite. It's not uncommon for people to feel sick to their stomach or throw up during a heart attack. And abdominal swelling associated with heart failure can interfere with appetite.
 
7. Pain in other parts of the body. In many heart attacks, pain begins in the chest and spreads to the shoulders, arms, elbows, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen. But sometimes there is no chest pain -- just pain in these other body areas.  The pain might come and go.

Men having a heart attack often feel pain in the left arm. In women, the pain is more likely to be felt in both arms, or between the shoulder blades.
 
8. Rapid or irregular pulse. Doctors say that there's nothing worrisome about an occasional skipped heartbeat. But a rapid or irregular pulse -- especially when accompanied by weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath -- can be evidence of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. Left untreated, some arrhythmias can lead to stroke, heart failure, or sudden death.
 
9. Shortness of breath. People who feel winded at rest or with minimal exertion might have a pulmonary condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). But breathlessness could also indicate a heart attack or heart failure.

"Sometimes people having a heart attack don't have chest pressure or pain but feel extremely short of breath," Goldberg says. "It's like they've just run a marathon when they haven't even moved." During a heart attack, shortness of breath often accompanies chest discomfort, but it can also occur before or without chest discomfort.
 
10. Sweating. Breaking out in a cold sweat is a common symptom of heart attack. "You might just be sitting in a chair when all of a sudden you are really sweating like you had just worked out," Frid says.
 
11. Swelling. Heart failure can cause fluid to accumulate in the body. This can cause swelling (often in the feet, ankles, legs, or abdomen) as well as sudden weight gain and sometimes a loss of appetite.
 
12. Weakness. In the days leading up to a heart attack, as well as during one, some people experience severe, unexplained weakness. "One woman told me it felt like she couldn't hold a piece of paper between her fingers," McSweeney says.

By David Freeman
WebMD Feature
©2005-2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

A Guide to High Blood Pressure

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that will catch up with most people who live into older age. Blood pressure is the force of blood pressing against the walls of your arteries. When it's too high, it raises the heart's workload and can cause serious damage to the arteries. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Hypertension Symptoms

High blood pressure is sometimes called a silent killer because it may have no outward symptoms for years. In fact, one in five people with the condition don't know they have it. Internally, it can quietly damage the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, and kidneys if left untreated. It's a major risk factor for strokes and heart attacks in the U.S.

What Causes Hypertension?

Normal blood pressure readings will fall below 120/80, while higher results over time can indicate hypertension. In most cases, the underlying cause of hypertension is unknown. The top number (systolic) shows the pressure when your heart beats. The lower number (diastolic) measures pressure at rest between heartbeats, when the heart refills with blood. Occasionally, kidney or adrenal gland disease can lead to hypertension.

Prehypertension: A Warning Sign

Almost one-quarter of Americans have prehypertension. Their blood pressure is consistently just above the normal level -- falling anywhere between 120 and 139 for systolic pressure or 80 to 89 for the diastolic pressure. People in this range have twice the risk of developing heart disease than those with a lower reading. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure.

The Hypertension Danger Zone

You have high blood pressure if readings average140/90 or higher -- for either number -- though you may still have no symptoms. At 180/110 and higher, you may be having a hypertensive crisis. Rest for a few minutes and take your blood pressure again. If it is still very high, call 911. A hypertensive crisis can lead to a stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, or loss of consciousness. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis can include a severe headache, anxiety, nosebleeds, and feeling short of breath.

Who Gets High Blood Pressure?

Up to the age of 45, more men have high blood pressure than women. It becomes more common for both men and women as they age, and more women have hypertension by the time they reach 65. You have a greater risk if a close family member has high blood pressure or if you are diabetic. About 60% of people with diabetes have high blood pressure.

Hypertension and Race

African-Americans are more likely to develop hypertension -- and to develop it at a younger age. Genetic research suggests that African-Americans seem to be more sensitive to salt. In people who have a gene that makes them salt-sensitive, just a half-teaspoon of salt can raise blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Diet and excessive weight can play a role, as well.

Hypertension and Sodium

Sodium, a major component of salt, can raise blood pressure by causing the body to retain fluid, which leads to a greater burden on the heart. The American Heart Association recommends eating less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. You'll need to check food labels and menus carefully.  Processed foods contribute up to 75% of our sodium intake. Canned soups and lunch meats are prime suspects.

Hypertension and Stress

Stress can make your blood pressure spike, but there's no evidence that it causes high blood pressure as an ongoing condition. However, stress may affect risk factors for heart disease, so it may have an indirect connection to hypertension. Stress may lead to other unhealthy habits, such as a poor diet, alcohol use, or smoking, which can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Hypertension and Weight

Being overweight places a strain on your heart and increases your risk of high blood pressure. That is why diets to lower blood pressure are often also designed to control calories. They typically call for cutting fatty foods and added sugars, while increasing fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and fiber.  Even losing 10 pounds can make a difference.

Hypertension and Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure. Guidelines from the American Heart Association state that if you drink alcohol, you should limit the amount to no more than two drinks a day for men, or one a day for women. They define a drink as one 12-ounce beer, four ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits, or one ounce of 100-proof spirits.

Hypertension and Caffeine

If caffeine can make you jittery, can it also raise your blood pressure? It might have a temporary effect, but studies haven't shown any link between caffeine and the development of hypertension. You can safely drink one or two cups a day, according to the American Heart Association.

Hypertension and Pregnancy

Gestational hypertension is a kind of high blood pressure that occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Without treatment, it may lead to a serious condition called preeclampsia that endangers both the mother and baby. The condition can limit blood and oxygen flow to the baby and can affect  the mother's kidneys and brain. After the baby is born, the mother’s blood pressure usually returns to its normal level.

Hypertension and Medicine

Cold and flu medicines that contain decongestants are one of several classes of medicine that can cause your blood pressure to rise. Others include NSAID pain relievers, steroids, diet pills, birth control pills, and some antidepressants. If you have high blood pressure, talk to you doctor about what medicines and supplements you are taking that may affect blood pressure.

'White Coat' Hypertension

Some people only have a high reading in the doctor's office, perhaps because they're nervous. Some will only have blood pressure readings sporadically. Those people may have a higher chance of developing high blood pressure, a recent study shows. To get a more accurate reading, take your blood pressure at home, chart your readings, and share them with your doctor. It is also a good idea to bring in your home monitor in for a check of the device and your technique.

Hypertension and Children

While hypertension is more often a problem for older people, even children can have high blood pressure. "Normal" blood pressure varies based on a child’s age, height, and sex, so your doctor will need to tell you if there is a concern. Children are at greater risk if they are overweight, have a family history of the illness and if they're African-American.

Treatment: The DASH Diet

You may be able to lower your blood pressure by switching to a better diet. The DASH Diet -- Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension -- involves eating more fruits, vegetables, whole-grain foods, low-fat dairy, fish, poultry, and nuts. You should eat less red meat, saturated fats, and sweets. Reducing sodium in your diet can also have a significant effect.

Treatment: Exercise

Regular exercise helps lower your blood pressure. Adults should get about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. That could include gardening, walking briskly, bicycling, or other aerobic exercise. Muscle-strengthening activities are recommended at least two days a week and should work all major muscle groups.

Treatment: Diuretics

Diuretics are often the first choice if diet and exercise changes aren't enough. Also called "water pills," they help the body shed excess sodium and water to lower blood pressure. That means you'll urinate more often. Some diuretics may deplete your body's potassium, causing muscle weakness, leg cramps, and fatigue. Some can increase blood sugar levels in diabetics. Erectile dysfunction is a less common side effect.

Treatment: Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers work by slowing the heart rate, which means that the heart doesn't have to work as hard. They are also used to treat other heart conditions, such as an abnormal heart rate called arrhythmia. They may be prescribed along with other medications. Side effects can include insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and erectile dysfunction.

Treatment: ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors reduce your body's supply of angiotensin II -- a substance that makes blood vessels contract and narrow. The result is more relaxed, open (dilated) arteries, as well as lower blood pressure and less effort for your heart. Side effects can include a dry cough, skin rash, or dizziness, and high levels of potassium. Women should not become pregnant while taking an ACE inhibitor.

Treatment: ARBs

Instead of reducing your body's supply of angiotensin II, these drugs block receptors for angiotensin -- as if placing a shield over a lock. This blockade prevents the chemical's artery-tightening effects, and lowers your blood pressure. ARBs can take several weeks to become fully effective. Possible side effects include dizziness, muscle cramps, insomnia, and high levels of potassium. Women should not become pregnant while taking this medication.

Treatment: Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers slow the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. Since calcium causes stronger heart contractions, these medications ease the heart's contraction and relax the blood vessels. They can cause dizziness, heart palpitations, swelling of the ankles, and constipation. Take them with food or milk and avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol because of possible interactions.

Treatment: Other Medications

Other medications that relax the blood vessels include vasodilators, alpha blockers, and central agonists. Side effects can include dizziness, a fast heart beat or heart palpitations, headaches, or diarrhea. Your doctor may suggest them if other blood pressure medications are not working well enough or if you have another condition.

Treatment: Complementary Therapies

Meditation can put your body into a state of deep rest, which can lower your blood pressure. Yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing also help. These relaxation techniques should be combined with other lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. Be aware that herbal therapies may conflict with other medications you take, and some herbs actually raise blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you take herbal or other dietary supplements.

Living With High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is often a life-long condition. It's important to take your medications and continue to monitor your blood pressure. If you keep it under control, you can reduce your risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.

Accompanying Slideshow at: http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/ss/slideshow-hypertension-overview?ecd=wnl_hyp_110311

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD on February 15, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

High Blood Pressure in Early Pregnancy Raises Birth Defect Risk

A new study suggests that high blood pressure during early pregnancy is what raises the risk of major birth defects -- not the medicines used to control the condition, as previously thought.

Pregnant women have been warned for years to avoid drugs called ACE inhibitors during the later stages of pregnancy to avoid the possibility of birth defects. But whether it was safe to take them during the first trimester wasn't clear.

A 2006 paper concluded no, and two later studies found an increased risk with other blood pressure drugs as well.

Researchers behind a new, larger study suggest it's the high blood pressure itself that is responsible for the higher risk of birth defects, not the medications.

Compared to women without high blood pressure, those with the condition were more likely to have babies with congenital heart, brain or spinal cord defects regardless of whether they were taking ACE inhibitors, other medications, or getting no treatment at all, the study found.

Dr. De-Kun Li and colleagues from Kaiser Permanente in California examined data covering more than 460,000 pregnant women and their babies from 1995 to 2008 for the study, which was paid for by groups including the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Dr. James Walker, a spokesman for Britain's Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists who was not linked to the research, said it was reassuring that blood pressure drugs taken in early pregnancy probably weren't raising the risk of birth defects.

He said ACE inhibitors are not commonly prescribed to pregnant women because of past concerns, and that the main worry has been getting them off the drugs as soon as they are pregnant.

"What this study does is reassure us women can stay on the drug until they're pregnant and then stop," he said. "You never know how long someone is going to take to get pregnant and if they come off a blood pressure drug for too long, it could be bad for them."

ACE inhibitors are used mainly to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by relaxing the blood vessels and improving blood flow.

The researchers looked at pharmacy databases to see whether the women took any blood pressure drugs during their pregnancy and medical records to look for birth defects. The scientists adjusted for potential confounders like diabetes and obesity.

The study, published online Tuesday in the journal BMJ, found similar rates of birth defects among children of pregnant women who took ACE inhibitors in their first trimester compared to women with untreated high blood pressure, those who took other blood pressure drugs, and those with normal blood pressure.

The numbers ranged from about five percent to eight percent and the differences could have been due to chance.

The researchers concluded that it was high blood pressure, not any medication, that was likely responsible for the problem.

Since earlier studies raised questions about the safety of taking ACE inhibitors once they were pregnant, it's unclear how many women are still commonly prescribed the drugs, among the most popular blood pressure medicines.

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration advises women to switch from ACE inhibitors to other drugs once they are pregnant, but there is no warning against using them, as there is for use in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Scientists aren't sure why high blood pressure in pregnant women could result in birth defects, but suggest there could be physiological changes in mothers that affect fetal growth.

Women's Health -  Published October 19, 2011Associated Press

 

Frequently Asked Questions About High Blood Pressure

Answers to your frequently asked questions about hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure.

1. What Causes High Blood Pressure?

While the cause of high blood pressure in most people remains unclear, a variety of conditions -- such as getting little or no exercise, poor diet, obesity, older age, and genetics -- can lead to hypertension.

2. What Is Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure?

The blood pressure reading is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is written as systolic pressure, the force of the blood against the artery walls as your heart beats, over diastolic pressure, the blood pressure between heartbeats. For example, a blood pressure reading is written as 120/80 mm Hg, or "120 over 80". The systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80.

3. What Is a Normal Blood Pressure?

The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure has classified blood pressure measurements into several categories:

• "Normal" blood pressure is systolic pressure less than 120 and diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg
• "Prehypertension" is systolic pressure of120-139 or diastolic pressure of 80-89 mmHg
• Stage 1 Hypertension is blood pressure greater than systolic pressure of 140-159 or diastolic pressure of 90-99 mmHg or greater.
• Stage 2 Hypertension is systolic pressure of 160 or greater or diastolic pressure of 100 or greater.

 4. What Health Problems Are Associated With High Blood Pressure?
Several potentially serious health conditions are linked to high blood pressure, including:

• Atherosclerosis: a disease of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque, or fatty material, on the inside walls of the blood vessels. Hypertension contributes to this buildup by putting added stress and force on the artery walls.
• Heart Disease: heart failure (the heart can't adequately pump blood), ischemic heart disease (the heart tissue doesn't get enough blood), and hypertensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart) are all associated with high blood pressure.
• Kidney Disease: Hypertension can damage the blood vessels and filters in the kidneys, so that the kidneys cannot excrete waste properly.
• Stroke: Hypertension can lead to stroke, either by contributing to the process of atherosclerosis (which can lead to blockages and/or clots), or by weakening the blood vessel wall and causing it to rupture.
• Eye Disease: Hypertension can damage the very small blood vessels in the retina.

5. How Do I Know if I Have High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure often doesn't have any symptoms, so you usually don't feel it. For that reason, hypertension is usually diagnosed by a health care professional on a routine visit. This is especially important if you have a close relative who has hypertension or embody risk factors for it.
If your blood pressure is extremely high, you may have unusually strong headaches, chest pain, and heart failure (especially difficulty breathing and poor exercise tolerance). If you have any of these symptoms, seek treatment immediately.

6. What Is the Treatment for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure treatment usually involves making lifestyle changes and, if necessary, drug therapy.
Lifestyle changes for high blood pressure include:

• Losing weight.
• Quitting smoking.
• Eating a healthy diet, such as the DASH diet.
• Reducing the amount of salt in your diet.
• Regular aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking).
• Limiting alcohol drinking.

High blood pressure drugs include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

7. What Are the Side Effects of High Blood Pressure Drugs?

As is true with any medication, high blood pressure drugs have side effects. Among the most common are the following:

• Diuretics: headache, weakness, joint or muscle pain, low potassium blood levels.
• ACE inhibitors: dry and persistent cough, headache, diarrhea, high potassium blood levels.
• Angiotensin receptor blockers: fatigue, dizziness or fainting, muscle pain, diarrhea.
• Calcium channel blockers: dizziness, trouble breathing, heart rhythm problems, ankle swelling.
• Beta-blockers: dizziness or lightheadedness, decreased sexual ability, drowsiness, low heart rate.

8. What Type of Diet Should I Follow if I Have High Blood Pressure

A healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, is very effective at lowering high blood pressure. The DASH diet calls for a certain number of daily servings from various food groups, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The following steps can also help:

• Eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods
• Eating less of foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as fried foods
• Eating more whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts
• Eating less red meat and sweets
• Eating foods that are high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium

9. When Should I Call My Doctor About High Blood Pressure?

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, it's important to see your doctor on a regular basis. He or she can answer your questions during these visits.
However, there may be other times when you may need to speak to your doctor. For instance:

• If you aren't responding to the prescribed treatment and your blood pressure is still high.
• If you are having any side effects from the blood pressure medication. If this happens, your doctor may wish to adjust the dosage of the medication or put you on another medication.

10. Are There any Drugs that Cause High Blood Pressure?

Some drugs that you take for another condition may cause high blood pressure. These include amphetamines, Ritalin, corticosteroids, hormones (including birth control pills), migraine medications, cyclosporine, and erythropoietin.

Also, many over-the-counter medications that contain pseudoephedrine and ephedrine (for example, allergy, cold, and asthma medications and appetite suppressants) can cause hypertension.
Don't stop taking any prescribed medication, including high blood pressure drugs, on your own without talking to your doctor.

© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

High blood pressure: Exercise and tips

Commonly referred to as a 'silent killer', high blood pressure or hypertension is a leading cause of death globally.

This is largely due to unawareness regarding early detection and cure. In India, around 16 per cent of people above 20 years of age suffer from high blood pressure. However, a single high reading does not necessarily imply that you have hypertension. Moreover, even if you were informed recently that you have the condition; there is absolutely no reason to panic. All you need are some basic lifestyle tips and a well-planned exercise routine and you will be as fit as a fiddle.

Overview: High blood pressure or hypertension is a medical condition when the difference between the maximum (systolic) and minimum (diastolic) pressures exerted by the circulating blood on your blood vessels increases the desirable value (above 90-119 systolic and 60-79 diastolic).

Prime risk factors: Some of the major factors that increase your risk of developing the condition are:

Age
Increased levels of blood pressure are closely associated with age and the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle gradually build up.

Ethnicity
Generally, it is observed that people belonging to the African-Caribbean and South-Asian communities have increased probability of developing hypertension.

Family history
Having a family history of high blood pressure places you at a greater risk of developing the condition.

Lifestyle issues
It is a well-known fact that your lifestyle can affect your risk of developing it. Major lifestyle flaws include high intake of alcohol, excessive smoking, too much salt and not eating sufficient fruits and vegetables.

Tips to prevent and control: One of the primary steps to ensure that you do not develop the condition is by adopting a healthy lifestyle. By healthy lifestyle, we refer to the complete cycle of following a healthy eating plan, and moderate indulgences. Broadly, the prevention and control tips can be segregated into:

- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Practice moderation if you drink alcohol
- Quitting smoking
- Regulating the excessive intake of salt and sodium
- Frequent regulation of your health by visiting health care professionals at periodic intervals.

Exercise tips for managing blood pressure : Becoming active and incorporating regular physical activity in your day-to-day living helps make your heart stronger. This, in turn, can lead your heart to pump more blood with less effort, thereby lowering the force on your arteries and the subsequent reduction of blood pressures.

Aerobic training
This form of training can have a major influence on your blood pressure levels. This can include anything from walking, running and hiking to biking and even swimming. On an average, target at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity for most days of the week. In case, you are unable to manage this time set, you can also opt for shorter bursts of activity as they count too.

Weight training
Although these exercises can lead to sudden spikes in your blood pressure levels, they can have long term benefits. Make sure that you consult a physician before embarking on any weight training programs.

Yoga and meditation
In order to prevent this condition, yoga postures and meditation techniques should also be incorporated in your daily routine. The prime effect of these fitness programs is that they help combat stress and saturate the mind with tranquility.

Deep-breathing exercises
According to a recent research published in the American Journal of Hypertension, a person can regulate his blood pressure level by 'harnessing' the body's own natural pressure regulator. Breathing techniques are easy and effective ways to curb elevated levels of blood pressure. Regular and right breathing techniques can help you maintain normal blood pressure.

However, for long term effects, always remember that you will have to follow these exercise and lifestyle tips on a regular basis. The benefits last as long as you continue with the planned fitness regime.  
 

Monami K. Thakur, Health Me Up


Monami K. Thakur, Health Me Up