HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE PRIMARY OR ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

There are two basic forms of hypertension. One is the essential and the other, the malignant form. Essential hypertension is the more common form and the one we will be discussing. When left untreated the essential hypertension can to the malignant form, which causes serious damage to the kidney, but may not be confined to the kidneys’ alone.

Hypertension is a disorder in which the arterioles (blood vessels) exhibit a resistance to the normal flow of blood. Causative factors can be heredity, neurogenic, vascular, nutritional or environmental. The resistance to the flow of blood causes the heart to enlarge in order to compensate for the need to pump a larger amount of blood in order to accommodate the needs of the body. The result is an increase in the SYSTOLIC (top number), and the DIASTOLIC (lower number), and the MEAN (the lower number subtracted from top number) pressures.

Primary hypertension can be a silent killer. An untreated hypertensive patient is greatly at risk for stroke, kidney, coronary and vascular disease. Many hypertensive patients may be prone to mini vascular accidents (mini strokes) of which they may not be aware. Changes will also occur in the retina of the eye, and the degree of severity is related to the amount of elevation of the pressure and the length of time the pressure has been elevated.

As you can see, because primary hypertension is such an insidious killer, making the diagnosis is the most important factor in combating this disease. It is incumbent upon anyone wishing to live a healthy life to take it upon them to be aware of this. There are many places that have screening for blood pressure. However, this may not be sufficient if performed only on an occasional basis, simply because there can be variations in readings due to many factors. Self-examination may be a more efficient manner in which to monitor your blood pressure.

Normal readings are 120mm systolic and 80mm diastolic Hg. Over age 60 a somewhat higher systolic can be acceptable even if not normal. Mild to moderate hypertension would be considered at 140-180 systolic and 90-115 diastolic. A sustained elevation above the norm after 2-3 readings on 3 separate days should alert you that it is time to see your physician for an evaluation. This evaluation will usually consist of taking a history, a physical examination, a complete blood count, and a routine urinalysis (with microscopic examination). Your physician, after the examination, may determine whether to place you on an anti-hypertensive medication, or suggest different lifestyles, including dietary changes. Although there is no cure for primary hypertension, there are many things you can do to help yourself, and now is the time to "Take The Bull" by the horns, so to speak.

Starting with your diet, the reduction of salt, even though it hasn’t been proven to be a factor in the cause of hypertension, is wise. Many of the prepared foods we eat are very high in sodium, so please read and pay attention to the labels on food products. If you are overweight, losing those excess pounds and keeping your weight at normal levels will be a most significant factor in maintaining normal blood pressure levels. Reduce the fat in your diet by eating less red meat, dairy products, snacks, and fried foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables; sugar free cereal and legumes. Above all " NO SMOKING."

Start an exercise program. Exercise will prove to be your biggest friend in helping to keep your blood pressure at normal levels. However, you must be dedicated to your exercise program. Doing it on a daily basis will keep you active and fit and your dedication to this regime will add years to you life. Other measures that are helpful are, getting plenty of rest, reduction of stress, having goodnights sleep, and frequent vacations. The vacations need not be long, but short frequent getaways can be of enormous value in the reduction of stress.

Self-monitoring at home can be your most convenient way to keep abreast of your condition and level of improvement. Not having to go where blood pressure screenings are performed will be apt to keep you more on the track. Bottom line, "STAY HEALTHY".