Weiss Memorial Hospital - Healing the Heart

Millions of people have high blood pressure or hypertension. It is the major treatable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Yet only half of those with hypertension are being treated for it, and only half of those being treated have the disorder under control.

What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the amount of force or push from the pumping of your heart that is required to circulate the blood through your body. The heart produces this necessary force as it beats or contracts and then relaxes.

What do the numbers mean?
Two numbers are recorded when your blood pressure is taken. The number on top (systolic) measures the force of your heartbeat as the blood is pushed from the heart into the blood vessels. The number on the bottom (diastolic) measures the “resting” pressure of the vessel walls when your heart relaxes between beats.

How is blood pressure defined?
“Normal” blood pressure is defined as les than 135/85. Optimal is 120/80. Your blood pressure is lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon, but blood pressure fluctuates considerably, even in people with normal blood pressure. When an individual’s blood pressure stays consistently above 130-139/85-89, one may be considered to have hypertension.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?
Pressures higher than normal cause the heart to pump harder to circulate the blood. In time, the heart muscle may fail from added strain. High blood pressure also can speed up the process called “hardening of the arteries” and injure blood vessels in the brain, kidneys, and eyes. All this can lead to serious medical consequences including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and blindness.

What factors affect blood pressure?
The major risk factors are family history, advancing age, being overweight, being sedentary, and a high sodium and/or alcohol intake. Also the time of day, stress, smoking, and other factors can all affect your blood pressure.

How can I tell if I have high blood pressure?
Since blood pressure fluctuates and is affected by several factors, repeated readings are the best indicators of possible hypertension. Since hypertension offers no symptoms to warn you that high blood pressure is present, having your blood pressure checked regularly is your only clue that you have hypertension.

What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
Treatment of high blood pressure is a lifelong matter. Your doctor may prescribe some of the following:

Lose weight. Extra weight puts an added burden on the heart. Even a weight loss of five pounds can lower your blood pressure. Losing weight can sometimes improve your hypertension enough to not need medication.
Exercise. Exercise helps prevent and treat hypertension. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, and swimming can help you control your blood pressure and make you feel better, too. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking four or five times a week, can eventually make a difference – if you keep it up. Always discuss a new exercise program with your physician.
Quit smoking. Nicotine in tobacco smoke constricts blood vessels and boosts blood pressure. Smoking puts you at serious risk.
Eat a diet rich in fruits, grains, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
Cut down on salt. The sodium in foods makes the body retain fluid, which raises the total volume of blood and hence may raise blood pressure. Putting away the salt shaker and eating fewer salty and processed foods may help bring blood pressure down, especially if you are a salt-sensitive person.
Learn to relax. Yoga, meditation, biofeedback, and other methods of handling stress can help you lower your blood pressure.
Drink alcohol in moderation. This means no more than one drink daily for a woman or two for a man.
Medicines. Your doctor may prescribe drug therapy. Most people who need a blood pressure medicine require lifelong treatment. Do not stop taking prescribed medicines without consulting your doctor first.

Remember: Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you have high blood pressure, see your physician and follow his or her orders.

Click to visit the Heart Program