Hypertension Awareness

(This article appeared in the March/April 2005 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the bloodstream as it flows through the arteries. The pressure on the arterial walls varies throughout the day, and several factors can cause blood pressure to be dangerously high relative to an individual's size and hereditary background. When blood pressure stays high over an extended period of time it causes a condition known as hypertension.

According to recent estimates, nearly one in three American adults has high blood pressure. However, only about one-third of those who have hypertension are aware they have it until the often-severe symptoms are evident. Ignorance of high blood pressure can put you at great risk for hardening of the arteries, heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness.

Blood pressure is measured by systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the lower number) measurements. Systolic blood pressure is the force of blood as the heart is beating, while diastolic blood pressure is a measure of the blood's force when the heart is relaxing between beats.

Blood pressure of about "120 over 80" (120 diastolic/80 systolic) is considered normal. Being below that is usually not a problem. But if your blood pressure is high consistently (two or three occasions over a few weeks), you may have hypertension.

Typical Symptoms

Symptoms of high blood pressure include: headaches; problems with vision or hearing; chest pains and tightness; shortness of breath; feelings of dizziness or light-headedness; severe weakness or fatigue; and an unusually rapid heartbeat.

Risk factors for hypertension include: cigarette smoking; high cholesterol; obesity; alcohol or drug abuse; lack of exercise; family history of heart disease; and diabetes. The cause of high blood pressure cannot always be determined; some people seem to be genetically predisposed to the condition, while other people don't have a problem even though they have conditions that can lead to "secondary hypertension."

Secondary hypertension can be traced to specific conditions such as: sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep); kidney disease; hormonal imbalances; abnormal arteries; or reactions to oral contraceptives, steroids, and nasal decongestants.

Treating the Condition

If you have high blood pressure in addition to other severe health problems, your doctor is likely to prescribe medication.

Among the medications used to treat high blood pressure are: diuretics that increase the body's production of urine, which helps rid it of extra fluids and sodium; betablockers that reduce the heart rate and ease the load on the vital pump; ACE inhibitors that enlarge blood vessels; calcium channel blockers that keep excess calcium out of the blood flow and thus increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart; angiotensin II receptor blockers that allow blood to flow more freely by eliminating chemicals that narrow the blood vessels and cause the body to retain salt and fluid; and aldosterone receptor blockers that block the action of aldosterone, a natural hormone that constricts blood vessels.

Contact your doctor immediately if your blood pressure medications cause side effects such as: fainting or feelings of confusion or dizziness; muscle cramps; erratic sleep or breathing problems; irregular heartbeat; sinus infections; severe vomiting or diarrhea; increased appetite; chronic coughing or wheezing; fluid retention; severe fatigue or general weakness; swelling of the tongue or face; or numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips.

To keep high blood pressure in check, first and foremost adopt a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fiber and potassium and a limited amount of salty foods; exercise regularly (which helps to reduce stress); limit alcohol consumption, and quit smoking.

People who have a problem with high blood pressure are advised to monitor it on a daily basis. Purchase a blood pressure monitoring device with an arm cuff, which is more accurate than the finger and wrist-cuff varieties.

For additional information contact the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.