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.....High
blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the pressure
of blood against the walls of your arteries is higher than
it normally should be. It is important to understand that
blood pressure constantly changes throughout the day to meet
the varying oxygen and energy demands of the body. For example,
when you sleep, blood pressure falls to a lower level because
your body is resting and activity is
minimal.
On the other scale, blood pressure will rise when you exercise
because your body requires a greater supply of blood to deliver
oxygen and nutrients to your working muscles and heart. It
may also increase during periods of mental stress, physical
exertion, changes in posture, fear, pain, anxiety, or nervousness.
These episodes are normal and account for the wide fluctuations
in blood pressure during the day.
.....A
typical person's resting heart rate is between 60-80 beats
per minute. Typical blood pressure is a reading of 120/80
(one twenty over eighty). The first number is the higher number
and is known as the systolic pressure, the pressure in your
arteries when the heart is contracting. The second number
is the smaller number and is known as the diastolic pressure,
the pressure in your arteries between contractions. If you
have a blood pressure higher than 140/90, then you are considered
to have an elevated blood pressure. When this occurs for long
periods of time, it
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will eventually lead to a weakening of the body's blood vessels
and the progression of heart disease. If serious enough, hypertension
can cause heart attacks, congestive heart failure, strokes,
kidney failure, and eyesight problems.
.....High
blood pressure is a silent killer. Unlike most illnesses and
disease, it has no distinguishing signs or symptoms. The only
way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your
blood pressure measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer
(blood pressure machine). The majority of people with high blood
pressure (95%) have what is called "essential hypertension,"
or high blood pressure that has an unknown cause. The other
5% have secondary hypertension, or hypertension that has a known
and correctable cause (e.g. renovascular hypertension). Unfortunately,
a person with high blood pressure will not notice its progressive
effects until it causes damage to the internal organs. Often
this will result in sudden lightheadedness, headaches, and flushing.
It may even escalate to dizziness, difficulty breathing, weakness,
visual problems or even the onset of a stroke or heart attack.
In these cases, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention.
.....If
you have high blood pressure, it is important to have your blood
pressure measured as often as possible. This can be done through
appointments with your doctor or by blood pressure machines
at your local pharmacy or at home. Talk with your pharmacist
or doctor about a lifestyle plan that can help you to lower
your blood pressure. This may involve getting more exercise,
watching what |
ou eat,
and losing weight. Medication to control your blood pressure
may also be necessary. Several types of drugs are available
from your doctor to decrease the blood pressure in your arteries.
Common drug types include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin
II receptor blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers,
alpha blockers and vasodilators. Each has a different mechanism
of lowering blood pressure and a different effect on each
person. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist to determine what
medication is best for your hypertension. And if your doctor
prescribes medication for you, it is essential that you follow
the directions carefully and take the medication as scheduled.
By doing so, you are taking important steps towards controlling
your blood pressure and leading a healthier life.
Jean Hicks, Pharmacist, Owner, Chetwynd
The
preceding article was provided by an educational grant from
Pfizer
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