Risk Factors - Blood Pressure

Normal Blood Pressure

A study published in the July 2005 issue of Hypertension found that a normal blood pressure reading at age 50 was associated with a longer life span of 5 years when compared to people who had elevated pressure. In addition, individuals with normal blood pressure developed cardiovascular disease on average of 7.2 years later than their peers who suffered from hypertension.

High Blood Pressure

An important part of taking care of yourself is keeping blood pressure under control. High blood pressure—also called hypertension—raises your risk for heart attack, stroke, eye problems and kidney disease. Hypertension affects more than 50 million individuals in the United States. 

Blood pressure is the force of blood flow inside your blood vessels. When your health team checks your blood pressure, they record two numbers, such as 130/80 mmHG. You'll hear them say this as "130 over 80." Both numbers are important:

• The first number is the pressure as your heart contracts, or beats, and pushes blood through the blood vessels. This is called the "systolic" pressure.
• The second number is the pressure when the heart and vessels relax between heartbeats.  It's called the "diastolic" pressure.

It's not good when blood moves through your vessels with too much force. Your heart has to work harder when blood pressure is high. Left untreated, vessels thicken, lose their elasticity and it becomes difficult for blood to flow through them. 

Table 1.0 The Classification of Blood Pressures for Adults

Table 1.0 provides a nationally accepted classification of blood pressure for adults ages 18 and older. This classification is based on the average of two or more properly measured, seated blood pressure readings on each of two or more visits. When the systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall into different categories, the higher category is used to classify blood pressure. For example, 160/80 mmHG would be Stage 2 hypertension.

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms. This is why it is called the "Silent Killer." It is recommended that you check your blood pressure two to four times a year. Keep track of your blood pressure by recording the date and results. Hypertension is a problem that won't go away without treatment.

Treatment of Hypertension

Treatment differs from one person to the next. Both lifestyle changes and medication can help control blood pressure. Work with your physician to find a treatment that is right for you.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can help control your blood pressure.  They can also help with blood sugar and cholesterol levels.  Place a check mark by the ones you're willing to try.

Make Wise Food Choices

__I'll eat a serving of fruit at each meal.

__I'll eat one or two servings of vegetables at lunch and at dinner.

__I'll switch to low-fat or fat-free dairy products (low-fat cheese and skim milk).

__I'll eat whole-grain breads and cereals.

__I'll eat nuts or peanut butter sometimes.

__I'll choose lean meats and meat substitutes (chicken without skin, fish, flank steak, chuck roast, boiled ham or pork tenderloin).

__I'll cook using low-fat methods (baking, roasting, broiling and/or grilling).

__I'll add little or no salt to my food at the table and during cooking.

__I'll try herbs and spices instead of salt.

__I'll check food labels and choose foods with less than 400 mg of sodium per serving.

Lose Weight or Take Steps to Prevent Weight Gain

__I'll cut down on calories and fat.

__I'll try to be more physically active than I am now.

Be Physically Active

__Before I start a new routine, I'll check with my doctor to find out which activities will be safe for me. 

__I'll try to do a total of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, most days of the week.  If I'm just starting out, I'll begin with 5 minutes a day and gradually add more time. 

Be Careful with Alcohol

__I'll talk with my nurse or doctor about whether it is wise for me to have alcoholic beverages.

__If and when I drink alcohol, I'll limit myself to 1 serving a day (for women) and 2 servings a day (for men).

Quit Smoking

__I'll talk with my health care team about methods than can help.

Medications

Several types of medications are available to treat high blood pressure. Not everyone takes the same medication, and many people take more than one kind. Which one you take will depend on your blood pressure readings and other factors such as cost.

• ACE inhibitors: These medications lower blood pressure by keeping the vessels relaxed. ACE inhibitors prevent a hormone called angiotensin from forming in your body and narrowing your blood vessels. These medications also help protect your kidneys and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• ARBs: These medications keep the blood vessels open and relaxed to help lower blood pressure.  Like ACE inhibitors, ARBs protect your kidneys.
• Beta Blockers: These medications lower blood pressure and relax your heart by allowing it to beat slower and less forcefully. They prevent heart attack ad stroke.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: These medications help the blood vessels relax by keeping calcium out of your blood vessels and heart.
• Diuretics: These medications are sometimes called "water pills." They help rid your body of extra water and sodium through urine.