What Happens If Blood Pressure Is Too High

What To Do If Your Blood Pressure Is High

If you develop secondary hypertension, lifestyle approaches or home remedies alone are usually not enough, depending on several factors such as how well the underlying cause is managed. Secondary hypertension is usually caused by certain health problem . A number of tests are required to find out the exact cause of the problem .

But most cases of hypertension are essential hypertension . In many cases, essential hypertension only requires a few lifestyle approaches to deal with, though medications are also required in some cases.

High blood pressure medications

When it is too high , you need to make it back to normal as soon as possible and therefore medical intervention is usually needed.

Sometimes due to certain reasons, doctors prescribe medicines for any stages of hypertension. Below are some of the common ones.

Diuretics. This medicine can help the kidneys in removing water and sodium from the body. The decreased salt will lower blood pressure. Diuretics are usually the first line of medicine prescribed by doctor to treat hypertension. These include Lozol, Dyrenium, Hygroton and Thalitone.

Beta blockers. This kind of medicine decreases the heartbeats of the heart. The decreased heartbeats can help prevent the heart from pumping harder than usual, decreasing pressure inside the arteries. Tenormin, Inderal, Cartrol, and Blocadren are some examples of beta blockers.

The key of the reason cause behind your hypertension.

The level of your high blood pressure levels.

What You Need To Know

• Twenty percent of patients with hypertension are resistant.
• Resistant hypertension may have no symptoms at all for months or years, but then can cause heart attack, stroke, and vision and kidney damage.
• Some people have pseudoresistant hypertension, which is caused by other factors, such as conflicting medications or white coat hypertension .
• Pseudoresistant hypertension is important to diagnose and treat.
• Assessment and treatment of resistant hypertension includes addressing any identifiable conditions or causes and adjusting medications in a personalized way.

Diastolic Blood Pressure Control: How Low Is Too Low

Ari Mosenkis, MD; Raymond R. Townsend, MD

It is well established that controlling hypertension through the use of antihypertensive agents reduces morbidity and mortality. It has been further demonstrated that lowering systolic blood pressure as well diastolic blood pressure confers benefit. In the late 1970s, reexamination of Framingham data revealed that whereas there is no level of SBP lowering that does not incrementally improve outcomes, such may not be the case for DBP. Subsequently, numerous analyses have been performed demonstrating the J-shaped curve, with increased mortality and coronary events in the groups of subjects whose DBPs were lowered below 65-85 mm Hg. Many of these analyses were, however, based on small numbers of cases. Three explanations have been offered to explain this phenomenon. One is that diastolic hypotension is frequently noted in conditions such as cardiomyopathy or malignancy and that some of the patients who exhibited this phenomenon may just have been sicker. Another explanation is that low DBP is really a marker for widened pulse pressure, which is an indicator of increased arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Finally, some have suggested that diastolic hypotension reduces coronary filling pressures, thereby inducing endocardial ischemia.

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What Is The Best Way To Measure Blood Pressure

Since blood pressure can vary quite a bit, one measurement does not say much. The white coat hypertension is notorious: a blood pressure that rises sharply due to the tension that the doctor or doctor calls up, sometimes even unconsciously. What works better is a 30-minute measurement that can be requested from some GPs. The doctor connects you to the meter and leaves the room. The device takes a measurement every five minutes and averages the last six measurements, which are lower because you are more relaxed. You can also measure at home.

Why Does My Blood Pressure Drop When I Exercise

I noticed that after I exercise for about 60 minutes my blood pressure drops. What causes the drop in blood pressure?

Blood pressure normally rises during exercise. However, after exercise stops, blood pressure quickly returns to normal.

An individual who can exercise for 60 minutes is likely quite fit. The blood pressure rise during exercise in such a person would likely be minimal and the decrease afterwards would be rapid. This too is normal.

However, there are conditions that can alter the normal exercise induced rise and fall in blood pressure. For example, if one were to stop exercising suddenly without a cool down, the normal post-exercise drop in blood pressure could be dramatic. This phenomenon, called a vagal response, can cause one to feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, or to pass out.

Cool down for at least five minutes at a slow pace before fully stopping. This problem can be exacerbated by dehydration and overall poor fitness with exercise beyond one’s capabilities. Stay well hydrated and slowly increase your exercise level.

Other causes of exercise induced blood pressure lowering include problems with coronary arteries, heart muscle, and valves. Discuss this issue with your doctor who may refer you to a cardiologist for heart tests such as ECG, echocardiogram, and stress test.

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Medications With Blood Pressure Of 170/80

Medications can have a big impact on your blood pressure. There are a variety of different types of blood pressure medications available. Following is a short list of each type of medication and what they do to reduce blood pressure.

• DiureticsHelps rid the body of sodium , which helps control blood pressure.
• Beta-blockersHelps reduce your heart rate, which helps lower blood pressure.
• ACE inhibitorsACE stands for Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme. Helps the body produce less angiotensin, which helps the blood vessels relax and lowers blood pressure.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockersHelps block the chemical that causes blood vessels to narrow, which helps blood vessels stay open and lowers blood pressure.
• Calcium channel blockersHelps lower blood pressure by preventing calcium from entering smooth muscle cells, which can cause stronger heart contraction and narrow blood vessels.
• Alpha blockersHelps relax certain muscles, which keeps blood vessels open and lowers blood pressure.
• Alpha-2 Receptor AgonistsHelps lower blood pressure by inhibiting sympathetic activity.
• Central agonistsUsing a different nerve path than Alpha and Beta blockers, Central agonists help relax blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
• VasodilatorsHelps dilate the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.

Talk with your doctor about changing or adjusting the dosage of medications to help bring your blood pressure readings down.

What Are The Kidneys And What Do They Do

Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. The urine flows from each kidney to the bladder through a pair of thin tubes called ureters, one on each side of your bladder. Your bladder stores urine. Your kidneys, ureters, and bladder are part of your urinary tract system.

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Add Healthy Foods To Your Diet

Slowly work your way up to eating more servings of heart-healthy plants. Aim to eat more than seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Then aim to add one more serving per day for two weeks. After those two weeks, aim to add one more serving. The goal is to have ten servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

How Is Resistant Hypertension Treated

Treatment options for resistant hypertension or pseudo-resistant hypertension depend on your underlying conditions and how well you tolerate various medications. Treatments include:

• Addressing any conditions that may have caused the hypertension.
• Making lifestyle changes
• Adjusting medications to find your optimal type and dosage

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Medication For High Blood Pressure

Making changes to your lifestyle may not be enough and many people with diabetes also need to take medication.

The most common types of blood pressure medicines are diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, antiotensin-2 receptor blockers and, calcium channel blockers. Ask your healthcare team if want more info on these.

Your healthcare team may give you medication even if your blood pressure isnt high and is in the target range. This is normal but you can ask your healthcare team to explain why. Its usually because the medication itself can help protect you against diabetes complications they especially protect your kidneys.

This Is High Blood Pressure

When your heart beats, it pumps blood around your body to give it the energy and oxygen it needs. As the blood moves, it pushes against the sides of the blood vessels. The strength of this pushing is your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your heart;and blood vessels.;This is called high blood pressure, or hypertension.;Over time it can lead to a number of health problems including heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is there are lots of things you can do to;lower it.

High blood pressure is very common, about a third of adults in the UK have it, but many arent aware of it. It doesnt usually have any symptoms so the only way to know you have it is to have a blood pressure check.

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So You Have High Blood Pressure What Else Could Be Wrong

If you have high blood pressure, get checked for diabetes and high cholesterol. Most people who have high blood pressure also have some of the other risks for heart disease and stroke, such as not getting enough physical activity, having unhealthy eating habits, smoking, being overweight or drinking too much alcohol. Ask your doctor to test your kidney function through a blood and urine test, and through the electrolytes in your blood; kidney problems can cause high blood pressure.

What To Do If Blood Pressure Is High

When your blood pressure raises higher than normal, this can be harmful to the blood flow of your cardiovascular system if left untreated. If your blood flow is affected or doesnt run as well as it should, this would have an effect to the nutrients and oxygen supply to the cells /tissues of your body. So, it is important to control blood pressure at its normal levels. But when it is high, what you should do?

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Do You Have High Blood Pressure What The Guidelines Say

Your blood pressure is an important part of your overall health.

But what is it? Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. If it is too high, it can put a strain on your heart and blood vessels, and can lead to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Your blood pressure is measured using a device called a sphygmomanometer that cuff that goes around your arm. The measurement then indicates a unit of pressure known as millimeters of mercury . It shows how hard your heart is working to pump blood.

Your blood pressure is written as two numbers. The top number, known as the systolic pressure, measures the force of the blood against the artery walls when the heart contracts to pump blood out. It is working its hardest at that point.

The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which shows the force of the blood when the heart is resting in between contractions. That number is lower.

Doctors use standard guidelines to determine if your blood pressure falls into a range known as normal. If it is too high and is consistently higher than the guidelines, it known as hypertension.

How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed

A single reading showing high blood pressure doesn’t mean that you have hypertension. Sometimes, blood pressure needs to be checked several times over a period of days or weeks to know if someone has hypertension.;Your doctor will probably weigh and measure you. He or she might do urine tests or blood tests to check for other conditions that can cause hypertension.

Some people have what’s called “white coat hypertension.” This means that their blood pressure goes up when they’re at a doctor’s office because they’re nervous. When they feel more relaxed, their blood pressure usually goes down. To make sure high blood pressure readings aren’t caused by anxiety, doctors will sometimes track a person’s blood pressure over a whole day. This is called ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

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What Can Happen If I Have Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure And What Can I Do To Lower It

According to the guidelines of the Hypertension: 2007 public recommendations from the Canadian Hypertension Society, if your blood pressure is measured at 140/90 millimeters of mercury or more, and stays at that level, you have high blood pressure. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, high blood pressure is defined as 130/80 mmHg. For more information about high blood pressure, see I’ve been told I have high blood pressure – what does that mean?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can be harmful to your body and can:

• damage the walls of your arteries, possibly causing tears or bulges in the arteries of the brain, heart, kidneys, abdomen, legs and eyes
• speed up hardening of your arteries
• lead to an enlarged heart and heart failure.

Artery damage and hardening of the arteries can cause:

• heart disease and heart attacks
• strokes
• reduced blood supply to the brain
• aneurysms.

What Are The Dangers Of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the silent killer. This means it does not have any symptoms and can go untreated for a long time, which can lead to many major health risks. If left untreated, a blood pressure of 180/120 or higher results in an 80% chance of death within one year, with an average survival rate of ten months. Prolonged, untreated high blood pressure can also lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease.

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British Columbia Specific Information

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can damage your blood vessels, heart and kidneys. This damage can cause a heart attack, stroke or other health problems. Your blood pressure reading is based on two measurements called systolic and diastolic. The systolic and diastolic are written as a ratio, for example . A reading of more than 140/90 mmHg taken at your healthcare providers office may indicate high blood pressure. This figure is different for people with diabetes whose blood pressure should be below 130/80 mmHg. People suffering from other illnesses will have different target normal values. For more information on hypertension, visit the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Hypertension Canada.

Healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your blood pressure and improve your health. For information on healthy eating for lowering your blood pressure, see:

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Women with hypertension can deliver healthy babies despite having the condition. But it can be dangerous to both mother and baby if its not monitored closely and managed during the pregnancy.

Women with high blood pressure are more likely to develop complications. For example, pregnant women with hypertension may experience decreased kidney function. Babies born to mothers with hypertension may have a low birth weight or be born prematurely.

Some women may develop hypertension during their pregnancies. Several types of high blood pressure problems can develop. The condition often reverses itself once the baby is born. Developing hypertension during pregnancy may increase your risk for developing hypertension later in life.

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Lifestyle Changes With Blood Pressure Of 84/55

Your doctor may suggest a few lifestyle modifications for those with a blood pressure of 84/55. This will depend on the severity of your low blood pressure in combination with your other health history.

• Increase Salt IntakeMost of the time doctors want you to limit sodium since it can increase your blood pressure. In this instance, thats just what the doctor ordered!
• Drink More WaterFluids increase blood volume, which can help increase your blood pressure.
• Wear Compression Stockings In more extreme cases your doctor may want you to wear compression stockings that will limit the blood flow to your legs and keep more blood in your upper body.

Remember that what is low blood pressure for one person could be normal for another. Dont get so hung up on the number and instead listen to your body.

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• Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Is Low Blood Pressure A Problem

For some people, low blood pressure is a sign of good health. These are generally people who are very fit and who have a slow pulse. For other people, low blood pressure is a problem.

Often, people with low blood pressure can be expected to lead longer lives.

However, people who experience continuing symptoms of low blood pressure should see a doctor. Sudden, severe low blood pressure can be associated with serious medical conditions.

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Treating High Blood Pressure With Lifestyle Changes

Your doctor may suggest that you make one or more of the following changes:

• Lose weight. If you’re overweight, losing extra kilograms may bring your blood pressure down.
• Get more active. Regular aerobic exercise can help lower blood pressure.
• Stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Cut back on drinking. Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day and no more than 14 drinks a week for men and 9 drinks a week for women.
• Eat less sodium. To help lower blood pressure, try to eat less than 2,000 mg a day.footnote 2
• Follow theDASH diet. The DASH eating plan can help you lower your blood pressure.

For tips on how to do these things, see the Living With High Blood Pressure section of this topic.

One Woman’s Story: Izzy, 60 “I could never have imagined I could get down so low by losing weight. I feel sure it was the WAY I lost weight, with DASH.”Izzy Read more about Izzy and how she uses the DASH eating plan.