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Cure for High Blood Pressure
by Contributing Writer
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Overview
High blood pressure is a major health issue, affecting one in four American adults. High blood pressure is usually defined as blood pressure higher than 120/80. The number 120 represents the systolic value, and measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart pumps. The number 80 represents the diastolic value, which represents the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats, as the heart fills with blood. Treatment depends on the stage of hypertension, and can include both lifestyle changes and medication.
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Contributing Factors
While there is no established cause for high blood pressure, there are a number of factors that have a strong correlation with the development of high blood pressure. Genetics, age and certain medications can all lead to hypertension. Risk factors that can be controlled by an individual include:
Obesity: 85 percent of people with high blood pressure have a BMI (body mass index) of 25 or more. The risk of high blood pressure is five times higher in the obese than in those people who maintain a healthy weight.
Insulin resistance: Obesity can also lead to insulin resistance, in which the body ceases to respond to normal levels of insulin, forcing the pancreas to make more and raise blood sugar. Insulin resistance can also contribute to hypertension risk.
Sodium intake: Ingestion of salt causes the cells of the body to release water, which then goes into the bloodstream. This can increase pressure on blood vessel walls. In one-third of people, a high salt intake will cause high blood pressure.
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Dangers of Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
Chronic high blood pressure is associated with an increased risk for stroke, heart attack, heart failure, enlarged heart, hardening of the arteries and chronic renal failure. Hypertension is sometimes called a "silent killer," because it can significantly increase the risk of premature death.
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Stages
Pre-hypertension has a systolic value of 120 to 139, a diastolic value of 80 to 89. Stage 1 hypertension has a systolic value of 140 to 159, and a diastolic value of 90 to 99. Stage 2 hypertension has a systolic value of over 160, and a diastolic value of over 100.
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Treatment: Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can often have a significant effect on high blood pressure. If the patient is overweight or obese, weight reduction is a key first step. Regular aerobic exercise can improve circulation and lower the resting heart rate. Alcohol consumption should be limited and tobacco use stopped completely. Stress reduction techniques, like meditation, biofeedback and massage, may also be helpful. The National Institutes of Health recommends the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which limits salt, sugar, desserts and red meat in favor of nuts, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables. This diet alone has been shown to lower blood pressure within two weeks.
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Treatment: Medication
There are a number of different classes of anti-hypertensive drugs:
Diuretics cause the body to excrete excess water and salt.
Andrenergic receptor antagonists: This includes both alpha and beta blockers. These drugs block the action of certain hormones that can cause elevated heart rate and vasoconstriction.
Calcium channel blockers: Increased calcium in the muscles of the artery walls causes increased contraction. These drugs keep too much calcium from entering the muscles of the blood vessels and the heart.
ACE inhibitors: Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring enzyme that causes vasoconstriction. These drugs block the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of angiotensin II.
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists mediate the effect of angiotensin II by binding to the receptor sites.
Centrally acting andrenergic drugs work on the brain instead of the cardiovascular system. They stimulate the brain to open the peripheral arteries to decrease blood pressure.
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Cure
There is really no "cure" for high blood pressure. It is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management. Lifestyle modifications are advised for most patients, especially those with pre-hypertension, who are generally not given medication. For those with Stage 1 hypertension, a diuretic may be initially prescribed as well, or a diuretic in combination with one of the other drugs listed. For Stage 2 hypertension, a combination of drugs is usually required. If lifestyle changes are made, drug therapies are followed and physicians are seen regularly, blood pressure can be brought down to normal levels.
