Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is a medical term for abnormally high blood pressure. When the blood pressure readings consistently show elevated readings over a period of time, hypertension is the resultant condition. Normal blood pressures hovers around the range of 120/80 mmHg. Pre-hypertension is a Situation when your blood pressure hovers around 130 for systolic pressure and between 80 and 89 for diastolic pressure. Factors that can affect blood pressure are many - salt content of the body, volume of water in the body and the condition of the kidneys, nervous system and blood vessels.
It is essential not to ignore signs of hypertension since it increases the strain on the heart and lead to stroke or heart attack. Secondary hypertension is noticed among 5% of the people. The causes can be linked to kidney disease or adrenal gland disease or even narrowing of the aorta. It is sometimes seen due to use of steroids, contraceptive pills. Hypertension induced by pregnancy or pre-eclampsia is another cause for secondary hypertension among women.
Hypertension is known to run in families and chances of your developing hypertension are high if your close relatives suffer from it. Other causes of hypertension are obesity and excess stress. Those who consume large quantities of alcohol or salt are also at higher risk of getting hypertension.
Symptoms of hypertension
- Crushing chest pain
- Heart failure
- Tiredness and confusions
- Nosebleed
- Irregular heartbeat
Tackling hypertension
If you are obese, it is necessary to lose weight and make dietary changes. Decrease levels of fat and sodium. A modest restriction of salt may decrease blood pressure. Instead increase the proportion of fiber, fruits and vegetables. Limit your alcohol intake to one or two glasses a day. Introduce exercise into your daily routine to treat hypertension. Regular, moderate aerobic exercise can modestly decrease blood pressure and has many other beneficial effects. Gradual weight loss through modified calorie intake and increased physical activity is a good approach.
ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are a group of drugs that are prescribed for congestive heart failure and hypertension. Their effect is much like that of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers whereby they widen the blood vessels. Persons suffering heart failure, heart attack and chronic hypertension are most often prescrbied the ACE inhibitors. It is contraindicated to take NSAID or salt substitutes when taking ACE inhibitors as they might decrease their effect. Pregnant women must refrain from taking ACE inhibitors.
Treadmill stress test
A treadmill stress test is used to evaluate any irregular heart beats on exercise and exertion. Those suffering from borderline hypertension may be asked to undergo treadmill stress test to evaluate blood pressure response to exercise. The treadmill stress test is a cardiac stress test that is used to diagnose coronary artery disease or any heart-related ailments. Treadmill Stress Test is sometimes called an exercise electrocardiogram. The person is fitted with electrodes in about 10 locations on the arm and chest to measure blood pressure and EKG. Then the treadmill is started, initially at slow pace and later much faster. Some heart medications may be need to be stopped for a day or two. The treadmill stress test is much like any strenous exercise such as running up a flight of stairs. It is essential that the treadmill stress test is conducted under proper supervision. This test indicates how well the heart functions and if the blood supply in the arteries is reduced on exertion. Persons scheduled for treadmill stress test must not eat or drink for about 3 hours prior to the test.
Bibliography / Reference
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