High blood pressure is one of the most common diseases of the human body.Many times this disease is genetic, but it can be acquired by leading an unhealthy lifestyle.Unfortunately, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure and blindness if left untreated.High blood pressure is called the silent killer because there are no symptoms. Regular visits to your doctor will ensure that high blood pressure is detected early.
Two numbers determine whether your blood pressure is normal or elevated. Your systolic blood pressure (the upper number) measures the force of the blood moving through your arteries when your heart beats. Your diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) measures the same force when your heart is at rest.
According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure readings are divided into four categories:
- Normal: Systolic pressure of 120 mm Hg or less and diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg
- Pre-hypertension: Systolic pressure of 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mm Hg
- High Stage 1: Systolic pressure of 140 to 159 mm Hg or diastolic pressure of 90 to 99 mm Hg
- High Stage 2: Systolic pressure of 160 or higher mm Hg or diastolic pressure of 100 mm Hg or higher
As many as 60 million Americans may have high blood pressure. The following factors contribute to an increase in blood pressure:
- being overweight
- salt intake
- a lack of exercise and physical activity
- heavy intake of alcohol
- smoking
- stress
Because blood pressure changes from minute to minute, it is affected by activity and rest, body temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, and medications.Your doctor will discuss the course of treatment you require, based on the severity of your hypertension, its causes, and any other co-existing medical conditions. Simple lifestyle modifications can make a huge difference to your blood pressure:
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly
- Eat a healthy diet, including whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables
- Always follow your doctors orders and take any prescribed medications as directed
- Maintain an ideal body weight
- Do some type of physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day
- Stop smoking
- Cut down on salt and avoid high sodium foods
- Use exercise and relaxation techniques to manage your stress
Your doctor at the New Mexico Heart Institute also has the ability to use a device called a Bio-Z, a specialized blood pressure monitor. It can measure:
- Cardiac Output
- Systemic Vascular Resistance (the amount of resistance in the arteries)
- Contractility of the heart
- Fluid Status
These four readings will help your doctor decide why your blood pressure is elevated and the appropriate medications to use. This test takes only 3-4 minutes and is completely non-invasive.
Physicians
