Definition
High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed if readings on separate occasions show blood pressure to be 140/90mmHg or higher.
Description
Blood pressure measures how strongly blood presses against the walls of your arteries (large blood vessels) as your heart pumps it around your body. If this pressure is too high it puts a strain on your arteries and your heart, which makes it more likely that you will suffer a heart attack, a stroke or kidney disease.
It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and it is recorded as two figures:
- systolic pressure: the pressure of the blood when your heart pushes blood out
- diastolic pressure: the pressure of the blood when your heart rests in between beat
The systolic reading is always the highest number and is shown on top, for example: 120 (systolic) / 80 (diastolic).
Blood Pressure varies depending on gender, age, fitness level, diet, illness, weight, smoking, medication and even the time of day. High Blood Pressure accelerates damage to the arteries and formation of plaques on the artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis. It is a major risk factor for many forms of heart disease and stroke. People with blood pressure of 140/90 or higher on at least two occasions are said to have high blood pressure. If the levels remain high, the doctor will probably begin treatment. Patients with blood pressure readings of 200/120 or higher need treatment immediately. People with diabetes or kidney disease are treated if their blood pressure rises above 135/80, as these conditions increase the risk of heart disease.
REFERENCE RANGES.
Normal
Systolic: less than 120
Diastolic: less than 80
Prehypertension
Systolic: 120 – 139
Diastolic: 80 – 89
Hypertension Stage 1
Systolic: 140 – 159
Diastolic: 90 – 99
Hypertension Stage 2
Systolic: 160 or higher
Diastolic: 100 or higher
Risks
Consistently high blood pressure forces the heart to work far beyond its capacity. Besides injuring blood vessels, it can damage the brain, eyes, and kidneys. Even so, many people with high blood pressure do not realise they have the condition. Despite the tendency of Hypertension to cause serious damage it rarely causes symptoms and this is why Hypertension is often called ‘the silent killer’. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to vision problems, as well as to heart attack, stroke, and other potentially fatal conditions, including kidney failure.
Risk factors
Your chances of having high blood pressure increase as you get older. There is often no clear cause of high blood pressure but you are at increased risk if you:
- are overweight
- have a relative with high blood pressure
- are of African or Caribbean descent
- eat a lot of salt
- don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables
- don’t do enough exercise
- drink a lot of coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
- drink a lot of alcohol
- are aged over 65
If you fall into any of the groups listed above, consider making changes to your lifestyle to lower your risk of high blood pressure. Also consider having your blood pressure checked more often, ideally about once a year.
Signs and symptoms
High blood pressure usually has no obvious symptoms and many people have it without knowing. In some rare cases, where a person has very high blood pressure, they can experience symptoms including:
- a persistent headache
- blurred or double vision
- nosebleeds
- shortness of breath
Visit your GP as soon as possible if you find that you have any of these symptoms.
Treatment options
– Lifestyle changes are a critical part of managing High Blood Pressure. These measures include weight reduction, a healthy diet low in salt and high in fresh fruits, vegetables and calcium, reducing alcohol consumption, regular moderate physical activity, smoking cessation and stress management.
– Drug treatment in some cases.
– Regular monitoring of blood pressure.
Video Tips
Watch the short video below to get a good overview of the dangers and tips to help yourself :
Nutritional supplements may only be beneficial if dietary intake is inadequate. Consult your Doctor before commencing any supplements, as some may interact with prescribed medications.
– Some studies have shown Coenzyme Q10 to be effective in reducing high blood pressure.
– Fish oil which contains omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce blood pressure.
– Vitamin C may reduce elevated blood pressure and aid the body to detoxify toxic metals such as lead, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
– Garlic has been shown in clinical trials to reduce elevated blood pressure. The mechanisms of action are thought to be through the relaxtion of smooth muscle and the dilation of contricted blood vessels. It is important to note that garlic may increase the effects of warfarin and some oral diabetic agents.
– Hawthorn has antioxidant and cardiotonic properties. This herb can aid in dilating the artery walls and decreasing blood pressure.
– Magnesium may play an important role in regulating blood pressure
Organisations & support groups
See the Heart Foundation of Australia topic on the following link : https://heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/know-your-risks/blood-pressure
Pharmacist’s advice
Ask your Pharmacist for advice:
- Consider a blood pressure monitor for home use.
- Anti-smoking products can help reduce cravings when quitting. Ask one of our Pharmacists for advice.
- Some medications may interact with Hypertension drugs. Check with one of our Pharmacists for any possible drug interactions. Corticosteroids, NSAIDs and certain cough and cold preparations are included in this group.
- Exercise regularly. Ask one of our Pharmacists to recommend home exercise equipment.
- Stress Management can help prevent Hypertension. Ask one of our Pharmacists for advice.
- If the diet is inadequate, consider some supplements. See the Vitamins/Minerals/Herbs section of this topic for more information.
Inverell Pharmacy – your locally owned and operated Pharmacy with 5 Pharmacists to advise and assist you.