Pressing matter: High Blood pressure!

Every year, the shocking number of 50,000 deaths are caused by high blood pressure. And the really scary thing is, that is has so few symptoms, that most us us have no idea that we could be affected.

Did you know, that every year 100,000 heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if everyone's blood pressure was controlled...?! And that 8 out of 10 people with high blood pressure aren't being treated for it?

Blood pressure is the expression for the force of blood against the artery walls. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded as two numbers: the systolic pressure (this is the pressure as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure ( as the heart relaxes between beats). Both numbers are important, but reasearch has shown that the systolic pressure reflects the damage to the arteries.

We speak of a normal blood pressure when it's around 120/80 or below; of a raised blood pressure at 130/85 and of a high blood pressure when it's around 140/90.

Raised and high blood pressure levels should of course be checked more frequently. Even at the "raised" level, the risk of getting a heart attack or stroke will increase threefold.

Most of us are well aware of the fact that high blood pressure - hypertension - is something we should really worry about. But for three out of ten of you reading this article, the reality is far more serious: your blood pressure may already be high enough to put you at risk of potentially fatal conditions such as stroke and heart disease...

Many people are suffering and will die needlessly because of lack of awareness.

A major WHO study found that half of all cardiovascular diseases are caused by high blood pressure.

Ask an average person what his or her blood pressure is and they will probably have no idea.

The dangerous thing is, that high blood pressure only rarely shows any external symptoms; all the damage is internal, as the force of blood pumping through your arteries at high pressure strains your heart and weakens your blood vessels. The result is damaged, clogged arteries, which increases your risk of heart and kidney disease and makes you six times more likely to have a stroke or heart failure as your heart struggles to pump adequate supplies of oxygenated blood around the body.

So, it's high time to become aware of this enormous risk. Let's get real and have our blood pressure tested asap!

Checking your blood pressure is simple. Your GP will do the test and see if you are in the normal, raised or high level category.

Medication and/or lifestyle changes will be essential to lower the blood pressure.

Unfortunately, there is no national screening programme for high blood pressure as yet, and until there is, we'll just have to take responsibility. So make the appointment with your GP as step number one to a healthier life style.

Although anyone can be at risk, some groups are more susceptible to hypertension and should therefore be extra alert.

The risk is higher, if:

• when checked, your blood pressure was at the higher end of the normal range.
• you have a family history of high blood pressure, heart attacks or strokes.
  
• you have diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease
• you're overweight, eat too much salt, take little exercise, drink too much alcohol and have a low intake of fruit and vegetables
• you're black or South Asian. Research suggests that black people are more sensitive to salt in the diet and have a higher risk of stroke, while South Asians have a higher risk of heart attack and diabetes.
  

And what if your blood pressure is still (too) high?

For some people, changes in their lifestyle will be enough to reduce blood pressure to a safe level, but others will need drugs that help open up the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to function effectively or work through the brain to lower the body's blood pressure. Once you start medication, you'll probably be taking it for life, but there's strong evidence that, as long as your blood pressure is well controlled, it will reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure.

See also: How can we protect ourselves against high blood pressure?

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 | Posted in: Miscellaneous | Posted by: Georgette Henson

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