High Blood Pressure At A Glance

There is a strong need for the public to become more educated regarding the problem of high blood pressure (hypertension). It is a huge clinical problem that affects more than 50 million adults in America. That is nearly one of every four adults, and it is the most common reason for seeing a physician.High blood pressure increases with age so that more than 60% of men and women over the age of 60 have elevated levels of blood pressure, and as the population continues to increase in age, so will the number of people with hypertension. Hypertension is the primary factor in deaths of more than 2,000,000 American each year. No matter what the age, the higher the blood pressure, the great risk for heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and kidney diseases. High blood pressure ranks in importance with abnormal blood cholesterol levels and smoking as major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Even the slightest increases in blood pressure can be detrimental to the cardiovascular system, and small reductions of blood pressure in the population as a whole, particularly in those with so-called "high normal levels" would be expected to have significant benefits. Many lifestyle changes, non-drug approaches such as weight loss, increased physical activity or exercise, diet, and limitations on sodium chloride intake may be of value. In addition, adding foods high in potassium, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and non fat dairy products are also believed to help. Unfortunately, obesity has significantly in risen the United States and can increase hypertension. It can also contribute to abnormal blood fats and diabetes. As hypertension is a chronic disease which generally requires long term treatment and care, any given hypertension patient is likely to receive many different medications in his/her lifetime. Many of the patients may also have to use natural foods and other unapproved "alternative" medications to manage their hypertension. The diverse nature of these therapies and various contributing causes of hypertension have served to create an environment that has a lot of misconceptions about high blood pressure. Studies have shown that controlling hypertension can reduce strokes by 40%, heart attacks by 25% and heart failure by more than 50% and because Americans have high blood pressure, it is clear that controlling this condition has profound consequences. There are many resources that exist for patients and the public regarding the education relating to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Educating yourself and following many simple guidelines can help save your life.