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Understanding High Blood Pressure
Many people don’t understand blood pressure and what their goal blood pressure should be. Here’s a primer:
Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the blood is being pumped to the body. Normal systolic pressure is <120 mmHg (which stands for millimeters of mercury). Readings between 120 - 139 mmHg are considered prehypertension.
Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest or relaxed, between beats. Normal diastolic pressure is <80 mmHg. Readings between 80 – 89 mmHg are considered prehypertension.
When blood pressure exceeds either 140 systolic, 90 diastolic or both, it is defined as high blood pressure (also called hypertension). The majority of people with prehypertension will develop hypertension as they age.
Seventy-two million Americans (nearly one in three adults) suffer from hypertension, which is the major cause of strokes, heart attacks and heart disease. Yet, approximately one-third of them don’t realize they have the condition. High blood pressure does not have noticeable symptoms and it is often called “the silent killer”. Seventy percent of people living with hypertension do not have it controlled, despite the wide availability of medication.
Hypertension has traditionally been treated medications, such as diuretics (often called “water pills”), ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Lifestyle changes, including adopting a proper diet and exercising regularly, are also recommended for the treatment of high blood pressure.
RESPeRATE is a non-drug way to help you lower your blood pressure naturally, without the costly side effects and inconvenience of many drugs.
Information gathered from the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, National Institutes of Health, 2004
Join in on interesting and helpful discussions in our vibrant online community. You’ll learn how others are dealing with their hypertension and gain valuable insight on controlling your own blood pressure. Take a look at the most recent post from our User Forum:
Forum - High Blood Pressure Forum
Topic - Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) and Diet Drugs
Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) and Diet Drugs
One unexpected aspect of Fen Phen drug has been dramatic increase in Pulmonary Hypertension. Apparently pulmonary hypertension is caused by changes in the blood vessels in the lungs. These blood vessels produce complicated chemical compounds. In some people,...
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Your questions about high blood pressure are answered by our board certified doctor. Browse through hundreds of helpful answers or ask your own question in our Ask Dr. Rowena page. Here’s a recent question:.
Types of BP meds to take without causing sexual dysfunction and impotence
Topic - Sex
Q: What are the best types of BP meds I can take without causing sexual dysfunction and impotence? A: Not all the diuretics used to treat high blood pressure are associated with sexual side effects but sometimes just a diuretic isn't enough to control hypertension. Some of the problems caused by blood pressure medication may be dose related so adjusting dosing can improve sexual function. Your doctor needs to know your concerns and figure out the best treatment plan for you. As an alternative to drugs, you might want to consider use of the RESPeRATE. Regular use lowers blood...
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For an interesting collection of information, blogs and news about hypertension, visit our All About Hypertension page. Take a look at a recent snippet:
Seasonal Variation in Blood Pressure
Topic - Seasonal Variation in Blood Pressure
(Medical News Today) A French study reported in the January 12th issue of Archives of Internal Medicine has found a strong correlation between blood pressure and outdoor temperature in a large sample of the elderly. As a result, the investigators advise that, during periods of extreme temperatures, careful monitoring of blood pressure and antihypertensive treatment "could contribute to reducing the consequences of blood pressure variations in the elderly". Read more
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