High blood pressure (HBP), also sometimes referred to as hypertension, is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Currently, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States and stroke is number three. In addition to heart attack and stroke, HBP also causes damage to other major organs such as your kidneys. It’s estimated that more than one-third of all adults in the United States suffer from HBP. Another one in four are at risk for developing HPB and suffer from pre-hypertension.
Blood pressure measures the amount of force that is exerted against artery walls as the heart beats. It’s generally expressed as a ratio of two numbers, such as 120/80 or 140/90. The top number, or systolic blood pressure, measures the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts, or beats. The bottom number, or diastolic blood pressure, represents the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rests, or in between heart beats. The American Heart Association categorizes blood pressure levels as follows:
• Normal - systolic, less than 120; diastolic, less than 80
• Pre-hypertension - systolic, 120 - 139; diastolic, 80 - 89
• High blood pressure (hypertension) stage 1 - systolic, 140 - 159; diastolic, 90 - 99
• High blood pressure (hypertension) stage 2 - systolic 160 or higher; diastolic, 100 or higher
• Hypertensive crises - systolic, higher than 180; diastolic, higher than 110; immediate emergency care is required for persons in hypertensive crises.
Blood pressure tends to naturally increase as you age so even if you currently enjoy good blood pressure, you should monitor it regularly and take preventative actions that safeguard against developing HBP. For those over the age of 50 years, an increase in systolic blood pressure signals a major increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular or heart disease. Approximately 50 percent of all adults over the age of 60 years suffer from HBP.
In addition to a natural increase in blood pressure as you age, medical conditions (such as kidney or thyroid disease), and certain medications (birth control pills, asthma medications, or some over the counter cold medications) can lead to the development of HBP. Sleep deprivation is also a factor in the development of HBP and those with sleep apnea are often at increased risk of HBP. Pregnancy may also contribute to the development of HBP. Hormone replacement therapy used by menopausal women has also been linked to HBP.
In addition to natural aging, medications, and medical conditions, there are several other risk factors for HBP:
• Ethnicity: African-Americans are at particular risk for developing HBP. They tend to develop HBP earlier and suffer more severe instances of HBP than their counter-parts. BP-related deaths (heart disease, stroke and kidney failure) are also higher among African-Americans than other ethnicities.
• Obesity: Those who are overweight are obese are more likely to develop HBP than counterparts who maintain a healthy weight.
• Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop HBP.
• Lifestyle habits: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, consuming too much salt, limited exercise, or drinking too much alcohol, can lead to HBP.
• Stress: Long-term chronic stress has also been linked with HBP.
• Family history: If you have a family history of HBP, you’re more likely to develop HBP.
Often called the silent killer, those with HBP may have few symptoms. Because HBP causes damages to the organs, blood vessels, and heart, it’s important to identify HBP as early as possible to limit the amount of potential damage. Fortunately, many of the complications related to HBP can be controlled, delayed, or even prevented completely through lifestyle changes. To prevent or manage HBP, it’s recommended that you:
• Quit smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Increased your physical activity and exercise regularly. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise daily.
• Improve your dietary habits. The DASH--Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension--is an excellent eating plan designed to control and reduce hypertension.
• Implement strategies to manage your life stress.
• Limit your alcohol intake. For women, this means no more than one drink per day.
• Limit the amount of sodium consumed.
For the greatest benefits to control your blood pressure, or prevent HBP from developing, adopt as many healthy lifestyle changes as possible. Remember, HBP contributes to heart disease and stroke. Simple lifestyle changes now may improve your quality of life and increase your longevity.
Sources:
Understanding Blood Pressure Readings, The American Heart Association, 10 Oct 2009, http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2112
High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Dec 2010, http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_bloodpressure.htm
What is High Blood Pressure, The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Nov 2008, http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_WhatIs.html