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Friendly Print preview ... see also Heart Foundation sheet Hypertension What is hypertension? Hypertension means high blood pressure and is present when your blood pressure is greater than normal levels for the population. There are two types of blood pressure (BP) that we measure: >systolic and diastolic. The systolic BP is the pressure at the moment the heart pumps the blood an the diastolic BP is that when the heart relaxes and takes in blood. The BP is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). We have hypertension if our pressure is greater than either the normal systolic pressure (145) or the normal diastolic pressure (85). The diastolic level is the more important, and so we aim to keep this pressure below 85. What causes it? In most cases (95%) there is no identifiable cause-it just happens that way. The pressure in our arteries is high because the heart pumps too hard and the arteries are too narrow. This is like the pressure in a hose-the further we turn up the tap and the narrower the hose, the greater the pressure. Sometimes hypertension is caused by a kidney problem or some other rare disorder. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is an important cause. Who gets hypertension? Anyone can get it. It is very common and affects about 15 per cent of the adult population in Western countries. BP tends to rise as we get older. However, most people are not aware they have it. What are the symptoms? Usually there are none. People with very high BP can feel quite well. It is rare to feel headache, palpitations or sick until complications set in. What are the risks of having it? You are more likely to have strokes and heart attacks than people with normal BP. The risk increases as the BP rises. With time the pressure can cause the heart and kidneys to wear out, that is heart failure and kidney failure. By keeping the BP within normal limits, we reduce the risks of strokes and heart trouble, including coronary attacks. What is the treatment? Medication (called antihypertensive medication) can reduce your high BP, but it might be possible to lower your BP to normal by leading a sensible, healthy lifestyle. This self-help may avoid a lifelong commitment to drugs. Self-help
Medication If natural measures do not bring down your BP, tablets will be necessary. The tablets act by softening the strong pumping action of the heart or relaxing the tight arteries or reducing the body chemicals that control your BP. The tablets must be taken regularly as directed and never stopped unless advised by your doctor. How often should your BP be checked? It should be measured every 1 year by your doctor. If you are over 40 years, it is wise to have it checked every year because it tends to creep up with age. Women on the pill need to be checked regularly.
Copyright 1995: John Murtagh, Professor of
General Practice
North
East Valley Division General Practice, Victoria,
Australia, Disclaimer |
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