Blood pressure (High)

Blood pressure (High)

DEFINITION
High Blood Pressure, also known as Hypertension, is a
consistently high blood pressure reading greater than 140 / 90.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of
arteries.
 
DESCRIPTION
Blood Pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the
surrounding arteries. The Blood Pressure is determined by the
strength of the heart contraction, the resistance and elasticity of
the arteries and the stickiness and volume of the blood.
 
A Blood Pressure reading measures the two extremes of Blood
Pressure, called systole and diastole. The systolic reading takes
the Blood Pressure at its highest point, when the heart is
contracting. The diastolic reading takes the Blood Pressure at its
lowest point, when the heart is relaxed. 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 are treated if their
blood pressure rises above 135/80, as this population already has a
high risk of heart disease.
 
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.
A recent scientific report identified people with blood pressure
slightly higher than 120/80 as a category at high risk for
Hypertension. This condition is called prehypertension and affects
millions of men and women worldwide. A person diagnosed with
prehypertension would not normally be advised to take medication
unless another health issue exists. The person would be encouraged
to begin lifestyle modifications to prevent stroke and heart
disease. Lifestyle modifications include losing excess weight,
exercising, limiting alcohol, following a heart-healthy, low-salt
diet and quitting smoking. 
The same report stated that for people over 50 years of age,
systolic blood pressure is more important than diastolic blood
pressure as a cardiovascular risk factor. The risk of heart disease
and stroke begins to increase at a blood pressure of 115/75 which
has prompted health experts to lower the acceptable normal range to
promote more aggressive and earlier treatment of High Blood
Pressure.
High Blood Pressure can be classified into either primary or
secondary Hypertension.
Primary Hypertension has no identifiable cause. About 90-95%
of all Hypertension is Primary Hypertension. Primary Hypertension
is thought to relate to a combination of lifestyle, environmental,
dietary, hereditary and emotional factors. 
Secondary Hypertension has an identifiable cause such as
kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, medication toxicity and various
other conditions. Treatment of secondary Hypertension depends on
the underlying condition.
REFERENCE RANGES.
Normal
Systolic: less than 120
Diastolic: less than 80
High-Normal
Systolic: 120 – 139
Diastolic: 80 – 89
Hypertension Grade 1 (mild)
Systolic: 140 – 159
Diastolic: 90 – 99
Hypertension Grade 2 (moderate)
Systolic: 160 – 179
Diastolic: 100 – 109
Hypertension Grade 3 (severe)
Systolic: more than or equal to 180
Diastolic: more than or equal to 110
Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Systolic: more than or equal to 140
Diastolic: less than 90.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Primary Hypertension does not have one single identifiable
cause. The following conditions are often associated with High
Blood Pressure:
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Kidney disease
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes 
  • Hyperthyroidism 
  • Smoking 
  • High cholesterol 
  • Excessive intake of sodium (salt), alcohol or
    caffeine 
  • Oral contraceptive pill, especially in women over 35 years who
    smoke.
  • Stress.
  • Lack of exercise.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
High Blood Pressure often does not cause symptoms until organ
damage occurs. For this reason it is important to have your blood
pressure monitored regularly by a health professional. Signs of
sudden, severe High Blood Pressure can include headaches, sweating,
rapid pulse, shortness of breath, dizziness, sleeplessness and
visual disturbances.
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.
DIET HINTS
See the Hypertension Diet on the HealthPoint.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
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.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the Heart Foundation of Australia topic on the
Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice:
  1. Consider a blood pressure monitor for home use. 
  2. Anti-smoking products can help reduce cravings when quitting.
    Ask your Pharmacist for advice. 
  3. Some medications may interact with Hypertension drugs. Check
    with your Pharmacist for any possible drug interactions.
    Corticosteroids, NSAIDs and certain cough and cold preparations are
    included in this group.
  4. Exercise regularly. Ask your Pharmacist to recommend home
    exercise equipment. 
  5. Stress Management can help prevent Hypertension. Ask your
    Pharmacist for advice. 
  6. If the diet is inadequate, consider some supplements. See the
    Vitamins/Minerals/Herbs section of this topic for more
    information.