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High Blood Pressure - Guidelance and Causes
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a CONSISTENT elevation in blood pressure with readings greater than 140/90. The systolic blood pressure (top number) may be too high if it is greater than 140 mmHG. The diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) is too high if it is consistently greater than 90 mmHG. It has been shown that patients with a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHG will have a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality with adequate therapy. On occasion, blood pressure values must be interpreted in light of the patients age, sex, and general health. It is not uncommon to see normal systolic blood pressures greater than 150 in patients over age 70. Stressful situations will raise your blood pressure as part of a normal physiologic reaction.
GENERAL GUIDELINES (Adults):
Diastolic pressure below 85 mmHG Normal
Diastolic pressure 85-89 High normal
Diastolic pressure 90-104 Mild hypertension
Diastolic pressure 105-114 Moderate
hypertension
Diastolic pressure 115+ Severe hypertension
When the diastolic pressure is below 90 mmHG:
Systolic pressure below 140 Normal
Systolic pressure 140-159 Borderline
hypertension
Systolic pressure 160+ Systolic
hypertension
Refer to the section on BLOOD PRESSURE in the user's manual for additional information. Hypertension may occur secondarily to a wide variety of problems. The most common form is "essential hypertension" or hypertension that occurs for reasons unknown. Hypertension may be secondary to kidney problems, hyperthyroidism, adrenal problems, or heart disease. Below are some secondary causes of hypertension.
Causes of Hypertension
1. KIDNEY FAILURE
2. CHRONIC GLOMERULONEPHRITIS
3. RENAL ARTERY STENOSIS (narrowing of the artery that supplies the kidney)
4. SOME KIDNEY TUMORS
5. ADRENAL GLAND DISEASE (Cushing's disease) AND TUMORS
6. HYPERTHYROIDISM
7. HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
8. ANABOLIC STEROIDS (used by athletes)
9. ESTROGEN/PROGESTOGEN CONTRACEPTIVES (birth control pills)
10. COCAINE/CRACK
11. AMPHETAMINE USE
12. ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL
13. PREECLAMPSIA
14. ACUTE PAIN
15. ACUTE STRESS
The Effects of Hypertension Hypertension is a major risk factor in the development of heart disease and stroke because of its effect on accelerating atherosclerotic vascular disease. Chronic hypertension can also lead to kidney impairment, retinal disease (eyes), and cerebral (brain) hemorrhage. Evaluation by your doctor will include history and physical examination. Blood tests (i.e. kidney profile), EKG, chest x-ray, and urinalysis will be obtained for baseline information. Special blood tests for thyroid profile and adrenal gland function will be done where appropriate. Treatment of some of the milder forms of hypertension can be accomplished by dietary sodium restriction alone. Those who suffer from obesity can see normalization of their blood pressure with weight reduction and exercise. Medications (e.g. Vasotec, Prinivil) are available for the treatment of hypertension that is not responsive to the above measures. Your doctor will determine which medication will suit you best. Although rare, all medications can have potential drug side effects. Review any potential side effects with your physician. Do not stop taking your blood pressure medication without first discussing it with your physician. Factors Indicating an Adverse Prognosis in Hypertension
1. African American race
2. Youth
3. Male
4. Persistent diastolic pressure > 115
5. Smoking
6. Diabetes
7. High blood cholesterol
8. Obesity
9. Evidence for organ damage: heart attack, heart enlargement, congestive heart failure, retinal disease, impaired kidney function, or stroke. Note: Above items #5, #7, and #8 can directly be controlled by the patient. HAVE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED BY A PHYSICIAN REGULARLY
Hope this article will provide you information about high blood pressure.
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