How High Blood Pressure May Affect Neurotic Behaviors
The authors of the new study used this fact to examine the association between blood pressure and certain personality traits using a technique called Mendelian randomization.
They drew on several large-scale datasets containing genetic data extracted from blood samples provided by people of predominantly European ancestry.
Researchers looked at four traits of blood pressure systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and high blood pressure. They also examined four psychological states anxiety, depressive symptoms, neuroticism, and subjective well-being.
Their analysis showed that diastolic blood pressure had significant causal effects on neuroticism but not on anxiety, depressive symptoms, or subjective well-being.
The other blood pressure traits had no association with the four psychological states.
The researchers acknowledged certain limitations of their findings. For example, because the genetic data came mainly from people of European ancestry, the results may not apply to other populations.
In addition, researchers couldnt rule out pleiotropy where one gene might affect both diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism. This could make the link between the two appear stronger.
What Causes A Stroke
A stroke is caused when blood flow to your brain is stopped or disrupted.
There are 2 kinds of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
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Ischemic stroke. This is the most common type of stroke. It happens when a major blood vessel in the brain is blocked. It may be blocked by a blood clot. Or it may be blocked by a buildup of fatty deposit and cholesterol. This buildup is called plaque.
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Hemorrhagic stroke. This occurs when a blood vessel in your brain bursts, spilling blood into nearby tissues. With a hemorrhagic stroke, pressure builds up in the nearby brain tissue. This causes even more damage and irritation.
Stroke | Amy’s Story
At just 47 years old, Amy wasn’t expecting a stroke would leave her unable to identify or communicate with her own family members. See how the expertise of Dr. Rafael Llinas helped her get the diagnosis and treatment she needed.
What Does Blood Pressure Have To Do With Stroke
Over a period of time, high blood pressure wears on the structure and resiliency of blood vessels, causing them to constrict and become less elastic. When a clot forms and becomes trapped in a clogged or constricted blood vessel, the resulting lack of oxygen to the brain causes an ischemic stroke. The longer this area of the brain goes without the flow of blood and, necessarily, oxygen the more damage can occur. Hemorrhagic strokes also result from blood vessels becoming over-worn and ultimately breaking.
A very sudden spike in blood pressure is known as ahypertensive crisis, and is a common sign of a major underlying or immediately life-threatening issue. At these sudden high-pressure levels, blood vessels are not able to sustain the flow of blood to the brain for long.
Low systolic blood pressure can be just as dangerous as hypertension, on the other hand. Contrastingly known as hypotension, the body experiences the most life-threatening level of shock when blood pressure dips too low. Similar to hypertension, low blood pressure can lead to complications including dizziness, breathing problems, heart or kidney disease as well as stroke.
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Staying Healthy And Reducing High Blood Pressure
If youre diagnosed with high blood pressure after a stroke, it may come as a shock. Many people with high blood pressure need to take long-term medication and make some healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of another stroke or transient ischaemic attack .
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so you probably wont feel any different when youre taking medication. But medication is highly effective at lowering your blood pressure and reducing your risk of a stroke.
Small change: big reduction in stroke risk
If you can lower your blood pressure by just 10 mmHg, you cut your risk of stroke by over 25%.
Blood Pressure And Ageing
With advancing years, the arteries tend to become more rigid . This may change a persons blood pressure pattern, with a higher systolic pressure and a lower diastolic pressure. The higher systolic pressure is important because it can further accelerate the rigidity of the arteries. This state is referred to as isolated systolic hypertension. Although these changes are due to ageing, this is not a normal state and may need medication to control the systolic pressures.
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Why Is Amlodipine Given At Night
New research suggests that taking your blood pressure medication at bedtime may more effectively reduce your risk of illness or death due to heart and blood vessel disease. Timing of medication is important because blood pressure follows a daily rhythm. It rises higher during the day and falls at night when we sleep.
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How Is A Stroke Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will take a complete health history and do aphysical exam. You will need tests for stroke such as brain imaging andmeasuring the blood flow in the brain. Tests may include:
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CT scan of the brain. An imaging test that uses X-rays to take clear, detailed images of the brain. A brain CT scan can show bleeding in the brain or damage to brain cells caused by a stroke. It is used to find abnormalities and help find the location or type of stroke.
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MRI . This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures in the body. An MRI uses magnetic fields to find small changes in brain tissue that help to find and diagnose stroke.
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CTA . An X-ray image of the blood vessels. A CT angiogram uses CT technology to get images of blood vessels.
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MRA . This test uses MRI technology to check blood flow through the arteries.
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Doppler sonography . A test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your carotid arteries. This test can show if plaque has narrowed or blocked your carotid arteries.
The following heart tests may also be used to help diagnose heart problemsthat may have led to a stroke:
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What Can I Expect If I Have This Condition
Since high blood pressure doesnt cause many symptoms at first, you probably wont feel any different with a high blood pressure diagnosis. But its important to follow your providers instructions to bring your blood pressure down so it doesnt cause serious illnesses later in life.
How long does high blood pressure last?
If you have primary high blood pressure, youll need to control it for the rest of your life.
If you have secondary high blood pressure, your blood pressure will most likely come down after you receive treatment for the medical problem that caused it. If a medication caused your high blood pressure, switching to a different medicine may lower your blood pressure.
What is the outlook for high blood pressure?
You can get seriously ill if you dont treat your high blood pressure. However, if you take the medicines your provider ordered, you can control your blood pressure. Exercising and eating healthy foods also helps lower your blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Levels And The Risk Of Stroke
In individuals with type 2 diabetes, the risk of stroke increases after blood pressure exceeds 130/80 mmHg . In our study, the risk of stroke starts to increase at similar DBP levels, while for SBP, linear increase is observed even earlier. In a recent study by Rawshani et al. , similar results were seen for SBP, although the risk started to increase for stroke at a slightly higher level compared to our study. The treatment recommendation for blood pressure levels in diabetes is, despite these facts, higher according to the American Diabetes Association , medical treatment of high blood pressure in diabetes should be initiated at blood pressure levels of > 140/90 mmHg, and the treatment goal is a blood pressure of < 140/90 mmHg. However, a recently published guideline by the American Heart Association suggested that blood pressure levels in type 1 diabetes should be lower, recommending initiation of treatment already at blood pressure levels of > 130/80 mmHg, and that the blood pressure target should be < 130/80 mmHg in individuals with diabetes . The results in our study support the new recommendations for blood pressure treatment targets in type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, despite the high prevalence of antihypertensive medication in the participants with stroke blood pressure levels were suboptimal, indicating that a more aggressive approach in treating blood pressure in these individuals should be considered.
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Stroke And Type Diagnosis
Stroke was defined as an acute-onset focal neurological deficit of vascular etiology persisting for > 24 h, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke subtypes. Hemorrhagic stroke was defined as an intracerebral hemorrhage or a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke was defined as a thrombotic brain infarction, cardioembolic stroke, or lacunar infarct an undetermined stroke was defined as a stroke that could not be classified into either broad subtype. Stroke patients were only diagnosed if they demonstrated symptomatic strokes, with significant clinical symptoms and signs. Transient ischemic attacks and silent strokes were excluded, but stroke cases with histories of transient ischemic attacks were regarded as incident events. Patients demonstrating transient symptoms and having concurrent neuroimaging evidence of brain infarctions were considered as stroke cases, based on the tissue definition . In the early phase of this study , the events were confirmed primarily based on clinical examinations by senior neurologists for non-hospitalized patients and using medical records for hospitalized patients.
What Is A Stroke
A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain isstopped. It is an emergency situation.
The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to workwell. If blood supply is stopped even for a short time, this can causeproblems. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without bloodor oxygen.
When brain cells die, brain function is lost. You may not be able to dothings that are controlled by that part of the brain. For example, a strokemay affect your ability to:
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Control your bowel and bladder
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Control your emotions
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Control other vital body functions
A stroke can happen to anyone at any time.
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Prehypertension: A Little Too Much Pressure A Lot Of Trouble
Everyone needs some blood pressure so that blood can get to all of the bodys organs. But how much is enough? How much is too much?
High blood pressure is often called the silent killer, because it usually doesnt cause symptoms. High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It points to a higher risk of having heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Doctors have known for a long time that blood pressure that is too high can cause these problems. But now doctors know that if it is even a little too high, it should be noticed.
When you visit a doctor for your annual checkup, your blood pressure will be taken. Blood pressure is measured by a machine with a band wrapped around your arm. The measure will tell if the blood pressure is normal, low, high, or somewhere in between. It is considered prehypertension when it doesnt quite reach the level of high blood pressure, but it is higher than normal.
Prehypertension can serve as an early warning for patients and doctors. It is a sign of possible changes that could lead to heart disease. The pressure caused by constant prehypertension can change blood vessels and the heart in a damaging way. Prehypertension can also stress the kidneys.
A single blood pressure reading does not predict heart and blood vessel disease . You wont be diagnosed with hypertension or prehypertension until it is high on several occasions. A blood pressure reading higher than normal will need to be carefully monitored.
Who Is Affected By High Blood Pressure
Approximately 1 in 3, more than 100 million, American adults have high blood pressure. But only half of those people have their condition under control. Many people develop high blood pressure when they are in their late 30s or early 40s, and it occurs more frequently as people age. However, because of the obesity epidemic, more and more children are also developing high blood pressure.
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Will High Blood Pressure Effect My Chances Of Getting Pregnant
Women who improve their heart health before pregnancy can reduce their medical risks later. This proactive approach can lower the likelihood of pregnancy complications. If youre considering becoming pregnant, talk to your health care team about healthy changes you can make to help both you and your baby be healthier.
Doctors and researchers have found a link between birth control pills and an increase in blood pressure among some women. They say that it is more likely to occur in women who are overweight, have kidney disease or have a family history of high blood pressure.
Learn more about pregnancy and maternal health, including information on being healthy before, during and after a pregnancy.
Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff.
Last Reviewed: Jun 28, 2021
Diabetes And Renal Status
We defined type 1 diabetes as diabetes diagnosis before 40 years of age and insulin medication commenced within 1 year after diagnosis. The mean age at baseline was 37.4± 11.9 years, the median duration of diabetes was 20.9 years, and 52% of the participants were men. Each participant collected timed urine samples for the measurement of urinary albumin excretion rate . Diabetic nephropathy was defined as having a UAER of 200 µg/min or 300 mg/24 h or having end-stage renal disease . ESRD was defined as ongoing dialysis treatment or kidney transplantation. Severe diabetic retinopathy was defined as history of retinal photocoagulation. Coronary heart disease was defined as a history of myocardial infarction or coronary artery revascularization, or treatment with long-acting nitroglycerin.
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Should I Lie Down If My Blood Pressure Is High
Tami Caldwell | Answered July 2, 2021
But more recent studies have found that blood pressure may be lower while lying down versus sitting. Currently, the American Heart Association recommends that blood pressure readings be taken when youre sitting down. However, in some cases you may have your blood pressure taken while lying down or while standing.Dec 22, 2020
The Different Blood Pressure Levels Are:
- Normal: Less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
- Elevated: 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
- High Blood Pressure Stage 1:
- 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic
These simple changes can go a long way and are key factors in lowering your numbers.
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Low Blood Pressure Associated With Increased Risk Of Death Following A Stroke
While high blood pressure or hypertension has been a well-established risk factor for stroke and for deaths, it turns out that having low blood pressure is just as great a risk factor for death after stroke.
Lower average blood pressure, measured in the outpatient setting, was associated with increased risk of death after a stroke event. In addition, this higher risk of death appeared to happen particularly in patients who were smokers, or had a diagnosis of cardiac disease, cancer or dementia, explained corresponding author Hugo J. Aparicio, MD, MPH, assistant professor of neurology and an investigator at the Framingham Heart Study.
Current national guidelines recommend treating high blood pressure after stroke, but the timing of this treatment and whether to treat patients in a normal, low or mildly elevated range of blood pressures has been debated.
The researchers hope that by investigating the factors that contribute to death after stroke, patients, families and practitioners can better understand and recognize conditions, like low blood pressure, that may predict their health outcomes. Ideally, this information can encourage better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of risk factors such as smoking, heart disease, and cancer, so that if a stroke does occur patients have a better chance at recovery and survival, he added.
These findings appear online in the journal Stroke.
How Can I Be More Active
- Check first with your healthcare provider before increasing your physical activity. Ask your provider what type and amount of exercise is right for you.
- Choose aerobic activities such as walking, biking or swimming.
- Start slowly and increase activity gradually. Aim for a regular routine of activity five times a week for 30 to 45 minutes each session.
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How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed
You might have your blood pressure taken at a clinic, or you may be given a machine that records your blood pressure at home at regular intervals over a 24-hour period. You often need a few readings to check the reading over time, as blood pressure varies during the day.
How is blood pressure measured?
Measuring your blood pressure is quick and simple. An inflatable cuff is wrapped around your arm. This tightens and then slowly deflates. Your blood pressure reading shows up on an electronic screen.
Understanding your blood pressure reading
Your blood pressure reading is recorded as two numbers.
- Systolic:the pressure when your heart beats.
- Diastolic: the pressure in between heartbeats.
Both numbers are equally important, and blood pressure is counted as being high if either number is high.
What do the numbers mean?
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury, written as mmHg. For example:
90/60 mmHg.
The ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.
High blood pressure is diagnosed if:
- Its consistently above 140/90 mmHg.
- Youre over 80, and your blood pressure is over 150/90 mmHg.
- Its consistently above 135/85 when you measure it at home.
- Its over 180/120, only one test is needed.
If you have diabetes or other conditions like kidney disease, you might be offered medication at 130/80.
Why is the target level lower for home blood pressure testing?