MHVI Owners Manual . Conditions . Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

What Is It?
Blood pressure is simply the force that is exerted on your artery walls by your blood when your heart beats (contracts) and when it is refilled between beats. Blood pressure is always recorded as a fraction (for example, 120/70). The top number is called the systolic blood pressure, and represents the force of the blood on the artery walls while your heart is actually contracting. The bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure, and is the force of the blood on the artery walls while the heart is resting between beats. Your systolic pressure should be below 140 mm Hg, and the diastolic pressure should be below 90 mm Hg when you are sitting quietly.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be caused by certain medical conditions such as retained fluid in the blood stream or blood vessels or by a narrowing of the vessels caused by atherosclerosis. In addition, you are more likely to develop hypertension if you have a family history of high blood pressure, if you are African-American, if you are overweight, or if you don't exercise. Heavy alcohol consumption and overuse of salt can also contribute to the development of hypertension.

Your blood pressure normally moves up and down depending on what you are doing at a given time. With increased activity, your systolic blood pressure rises. This is a signal that the heart is beating harder and faster to make sure enough oxygen is getting to the body. When you are resting, your blood pressure should return to a lower level, reflecting the decreased need for oxygen. For some people, however, blood pressure goes up and stays at a high level all or much of the time, even when they are resting. This condition is called high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension means high blood pressure. It does not mean nervous "tension."

High blood pressure places an extra strain on the heart, causing it to work harder all the time. Over time, this added work can cause the heart muscle to become overdeveloped, a condition called left ventricular hypertrophy. Eventually the heart muscle can wear out, which may lead to congestive heart failure, a condition that will be discussed in more detail later in this section. Hypertension also causes gradual wear-and-tear on the arteries, resulting in the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis). This wear-and-tear can weaken the artery walls, leading to blood vessel rupture, hemorrhage or stroke. Untreated high blood pressure is one of the major causes of serious cardiovascular disease. For this reason, it is very important for you to know what your blood pressure is and to get it treated if it is too high.

Symptoms
High blood pressure is called the "silent" killer for a very good reason. Most people with hypertension have no symptoms whatsoever. The only way to know if your blood pressure is too high is to have it measured. So it is important get your blood pressure checked and see your doctor if your numbers are elevated. Hypertension is one of the most treatable cardiovascular conditions. Because of what we know about controlling blood pressure through lifestyle changes and the very effective drugs available, there is almost no one whose blood pressure cannot be kept within an acceptable range.

Treatment
Treatment for high blood pressure usually includes a combination of lifestyle change and medication. Sometimes, for mild elevations, lifestyle changes alone may be able to reduce blood pressure to safe levels. For higher elevations, medications will be prescribed along with these changes.

Most people with hypertension have no symptoms whatsoever. The ONLY way to know if your blood pressure is too high is to have it measured. So it is important to get your blood pressure checked and see your doctor if your numbers are elevated.

You will need to limit the amount of sodium (salt) you consume in your diet to help decrease the extra fluid in your bloodstream.
Eating foods that are high in fiber and low in fat will help prevent the buildup of plaque in your blood vessels, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Reaching a normal body weight can decrease the workload you are placing on your heart and blood vessels, and help lower your blood pressure.
An exercise program that is tailored to your needs will condition your heart and blood vessels and help reduce high blood pressure.
Most patients require medication. There are many effective medications that can bring even a very high blood pressure down to a safe level and keep it there. Your doctor may prescribe a diuretic that will help to get rid of any extra fluid you may be retaining, and by doing so, reduce your blood pressure. Other types of medications may be prescribed to help relax your blood vessels so that blood can circulate more easily and decrease the workload of your heart. Your doctor will work with you to find the right combination of medications for you. Once you are on high blood pressure medicine, never stop or reduce the medicine on your own; doing so can be quite dangerous.
Stress reduction may also facilitate effective treatment for your high blood pressure.

You can learn more about these treatments in the Cardiovascular Medications and Lifestyle sections of this manual.