Blood pressure

Blood pressure allows to flow and deliver nutrients to the body. We measure blood pressure with two numbers. The top number is the blood pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number is your blood when your heart relaxes and refills with blood. The higher your numbers and the longer they are high, the more damage is caused to your blood vessels.

Blood pressure increases with age. More than nine in ten Canadiens will develop high blood pressure (hypertension) unless they follow a healthy lifestyle. High blood pressure is the leading risk for death. High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart attacks, and heart and kidney failure. It is also related to dementia and sexual problems. These problems can be prevented if high blood pressure is controlled.

Leading risks for death in North America. You may not experience any symptoms if you have high blood pressure so you should have your blood pressure measured regularly throughout your life. Remember, even if you are young you could still have high blood pressure so get your blood pressure checked.

One high blood pressure reading does not necessarily mean you have hypertension. Your doctor may diagnose hypertension right away if your blood pressure is extremely high or may ask you to come back for several visits before a diagnosis can be made.

Blood pressure should be measured when you are relaxed and rested because most people Have higher readings when they are under physical or emotional stress. Monitoring your own blood pressure with a home blood pressure monitor can be helpful.

If you have high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure measured regularly. See a doctor regularly. Have your cholesterol measured. Most people with high blood pressure have other risks for heart disease and stroke such as high cholesterol. Have your blood sugar checked. people with diabetes and high blood pressure must be monitored closely and need to strive for lower blood pressure targets. have your kidney function checked. This can be done by measuring the salts in your blood and by testing your urine. Kidney problems can cause high blood pressure. If you are told you have high blood pressure tell your family members. They may be at risk for hypertension and should have their blood pressure checked.

Measurements. It is important to have your blood pressure measured regularly and know your blood pressure numbers. Both numbers are important. We measure blood pressure with two numbers. The top number is the systolic blood pressure and is the largest number. This is the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats and pumps blood. The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. This is the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart relaxes and fills with blood. The higher your systolic or diastolic pressure is and the longer these numbers are high> the more damage occurs to your blood vessels. Strokes and heart attacks are caused by damaged blood vessels.

Regular blood pressure monitoring is especially important if your blood pressure is between 130/85 and 139/89. This is called “high normal” blood pressure. More than half of people with “high normal” blood pressure develop hypertension within four years unless they make lifestyle changes.

What is “white coat” hypertension. Some people have high blood pressure when they visit a doctor’s office but have normal blood pressure otherwise. This condition is called “white coat” hypertension. If your doctor thinks you have “white coat” hypertension you may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home or wear an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is a small machine, about the size of a portable radio that you wear on your belt for 24 hours. This machine lets your doctor find out what your blood pressure was every 15 to 30 minutes. This information can help you and your doctor see the changes in your blood pressure during a normal day. Most people with “white coat” hypertension are not at higher risk of health problems but they do require regular monitoring as they are more likely to develop true hypertension over time.

Masked hypertension. Masked hypertension is the opposite of “white coat” hypertension. People with this condition have normal blood pressure in a doctor’s office but have high blood pressure when elsewhere. If your doctor thinks you have masked hypertension you may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home or wear an pressure.

Risk factors for hypertension. ambulatory blood pressure monitor. People with masked hypertension are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke and may require medications to control their blood High blood pressure can be caused by environmental or genetic factors. Some factors such as age, ethnicity and gender cannot be modified. Other dactors can be changed to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Risk factors that can be changed include lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, whether we smoke and the amount of stress we experience. Lifestyle changes are an important part of a plan to lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk. Changing our lifestyle takes time and practice. making the commitment to a healthy lifestyle is the first step.

Lifestyle choices. If you have hypertension, have a family member with hypertension, or would like to prevent the development of hypertension be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week. Walk, bike, swim, or try any other physical activity that you enjoy. Even a little bit of physical activity is better than no activity at all. Choose the following foods more often: vegetables and fruit, low-fat dairy products, foods low in saturated and trans fat, foods low in salt, whole grains, lean meat, fish and poultry, limit the amount of fast food, canned foods, and prepared foods that you eat. If you are overweight losing about 5 kg will low your blood pressure. Reducing your weight to within a healthy range will lower your blood pressure even more. Eat less salt In general, the more a food is processed, the higher the salt content. Try not to add salt when cooking and remove the salt shaker from the table. Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing heart problems and many other diseases. Living and working in places that are smoke-free is also important. Reduce stress.

Medication. Most people with high blood pressure need two or more medications as well as lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure. However, many medicines for high blood pressure need to be taken just once a day. There are also many tablets that contain two medicines in combination.

Many medications that lower blood pressure prevent heart attacks and strokes. All medications reduce blood pressure by the same amount on average but some people have better results wih one drug rather than others. When you start taking medicine for high blood pressure it may take up to six weeks for your blood pressure to respond. On average, most blood pressure medications cause few side effects. However, all medications have rare but serious side effects. If you feel unwell after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you have to take two or more medications to control your blood pressure your doctor will help you find the best combination. This may take time so be patient and remember: blood pressure medications are for life.

Types of high blood pressure medication.

Diuretics sometimes called “water pills” prevent heart attacks and strokes. Many people with diabetes or kidney disease take diuretics. Hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide are examples of commonly prescribed diuretics.

Beta blockers prevent heart attacks and strokes in people younger than 60. Beta blockers are very important medicines that are commonly used in patients with heart disease.

ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) prebent heart attacks and strokes. ACE inhibitors are commonly used in patients who have hypertension and heart disease. They are also recommended for people with diabetes or kidney disease.

ARBs (Angiotensin receptor blockers) prevent heart attacks and strokes. They are often recommended for people with diabetes or kidney disease.

CCBs (Calcium channel blockers) prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Direct Renin inhibitors. In 2007 the first direct rennin inhibitor (aliskiren) was approved for use in Canada. Aliskiren lowers blood pressure to a similar extent as other antihypertensive drugs but studies to examine its effectiveness at preventing heart disease and strokes are not yet complete.