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High
Blood Pressure Scottie Misner, Ph.D. R.D. Associate Nutrition Specialist High Blood Pressure or hypertension is a risk factor for heart and
kidney diseases and stroke. This means that having high blood pressure
can increase your chance or risk of developing heart or kidney disease,
or of having a stroke. This is serious business because heart disease
is the number one killer in the United States., and stroke is the third
most common cause of death. Blood pressure is the force created by the heart as it pushes blood into the arteries through the circulatory system. Each time the heart contracts or “beats,” the blood is pumped out and creates a surge of pressure in the arteries. This is called the “upper” or systolic blood pressure. When the heart relaxes between beats, the blood pressure goes down. This is called “lower” or diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure is recorded in two numbers. Both are important. The “larger” (systolic) number is placed over the “smaller” (diastolic number.) For example, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 is expressed as “120 over 80 mm Hg.” What Causes High Blood Pressure? High blood pressure occurs when the arterioles contract (become narrowed) for some reason, and the blood can’t easily pass through them. When this happens the heart has to pump harder to force the blood through. When the pressure increases above normal and stays elevated, the result is high blood pressure. The most common form of high blood pressure is primary (also known
as essential) high blood pressure. The cause of primary high blood pressure
is unknown. Several factors, such as heredity, race, obesity, lack of
exercise and eating a large amount of salt on food, may contribute to
this type of high blood pressure. Who’s Most Likely to Have
High Blood Pressure? Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but some people are more likely
to develop it than others. If one or both of your parents have high
blood pressure, you’re more likely to develop it. Ask your parents
about their blood pressure. Studies have also shown that high blood
pressure is more common and more severe in blacks than in whites. High blood pressure also can be caused by diseases such as kidney disease
or hormone abnormalities. When this is the case, it’s called secondary
high blood pressure. Also, the use of certain drugs such as amphetamines,
oral contraceptives, and diet pills, or pregnancy or heavy use of alcohol
may cause secondary high blood pressure. In cases of secondary high
blood pressure, the blood pressure usually returns to normal when the
other disease or condition is successfully treated or when the drugs
are stopped. Most people think high blood pressure affects only adults. That’s not the case, however. Teenagers and children, even very young children, can have high blood pressure. Because a person’s body changes rapidly during adolescence, only a doctor or other health advisor is qualified to determine if changes in blood pressure are normal for a person’s age or if they show a problem or a developing problem.
What Can Happen If High Blood
Pressure Is Untreated? If you have high blood pressure, usually you won’t have any symptoms. You can look and feel great but have high blood pressure without knowing it. If untreated this can lead to serious medical problems like:
What Can Be Done About High Blood
Pressure? Primary high blood pressure can’t be cured, but damage resulting from high blood pressure can be prevented or reduced if high blood pressure is discovered and treated early – and if treatment is continued for the rest of your life. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it checked at least once a year by a doctor, school nurse or other health professional, or at a local health clinic. Here are some ways your blood pressure can be controlled: Maintain Normal Weight. Being overweight can contribute to high blood pressure. In some cases, people who lose excess weight automatically lower their blood pressure. Any changes in diet should be gradual, never drastic and avoiding “fad” diets. Try following a sensible diet based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2000 from the United States Department of Agriculture. Staying physically fit through regular exercise also is important in controlling weight and blood pressure. Decrease Salt Intake. Eating a large amount of salt also may contribute to high blood pressure in some people. If you use a lot of salt in cooking or in seasoning your food (or both), try to cut down. At first this may be difficult, because you’re probably used to the taste of salty foods. But as you begin to use new herbs and spices for seasoning (instead of salt), you’ll discover new flavors and find that foods can be just as tasty as before. Besides using less salt on food, begin choosing your snacks and foods more carefully. Many of them are high in salt—you’ll want to avoid these. Read food labels and check for sodium content. Take Medications. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to lower high blood pressure. Some of these medications get rid of excess fluid and sodium (salt) in the bloodstream, others open up narrowed blood vessels, and still others prevent the arterioles from constricting and narrowing. Any medication to lower blood pressure must be prescribed and regulated by a doctor or other health professional and must be taken exactly as instructed. Often medication must be taken for life. Also Some Nutrients Have Been Shown To Reduce High Blood Pressure. Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. Potassium: Eating foods rich in potassium appear to protect some people from developing high blood pressure. Foods that are high in potassium include: bananas, catfish, orange juice, spinach, dried fruit, dried beans, potatoes, and milk. Calcium: Many people with low calcium intake have higher rates of high blood pressure. While it hasn’t been proven that calcium supplements may prevent high blood pressure, it may be important for those with low calcium intakes. Current recommendations suggest a daily intake of 1200 milligrams per day for adults. Lowfat and non-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich sources of calcium. Magnesium: A diet low in magnesium may increase your blood pressure. However,
a healthy diet should provide enough magnesium. Good sources of magnesium
include: whole grain breads and cereals, green leafy vegetables, and
beans. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center Prevention of a First Stroke The University of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action Employer. Any products, services, or organizations that are mentioned,
shown, or indirectly implied in this publication do not imply endorsement
by the University of Arizona. |
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