The Heart & Vascular Center

     If high blood pressure goes unchecked, it can cause problems in just about every major organ of your body and can lead to a very debilitating problem - stroke. Without regular medical checkups, hypertension can go unchecked because high blood pressure produces no warning signs.  For that reason, high blood pressure has been called The Silent Killer.

    To reduce the threat of high blood pressure, it is best to understand what it is, how it happens to us, and how it is treated.

    Everyone is unique, so what may be "normal" for your neighbor or relative may not be normal for you. Generally speaking, high blood pressure is diagnosed if at least two separate readings on two separate visits show either number to be higher than 140/90 after you have been resting quietly for at least 5 minutes.  The systolic (top number) indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.  The diastolic (bottom number) indicates the pressure in the arteries while the heart is at rest.  A certain amount of blood pressure is essential for blood to bring nourishment to our body. 

    Blood pressure will vary during daily activities. For instance during exercise, muscles need more oxygen so the blood pressure and heart rate increase to get more blood at a faster rate to the muscles.  Blood pressure increases by a "tightening" of the elastic walls of the arteries.  When exercise ceases, the artery walls relax and heart rate goes down. Therefore, blood pressure decreases.  During vigorous exercise, it is not unusual for the top number (systolic pressure) to increase to 200! 

    Many factors influence blood pressure including family history.  To treat high blood pressure, physicians first offer lifestyle changes which may include: weight reduction, restriction of alcohol, restriction of salt and fats in the diet, stop smoking, exercise, and relaxation.  If these steps fail, then medication may be prescribed.  Medications work on blood pressure in different ways.  Some help artery walls relax, some eliminate excess fluid, and some affect specific kidney hormones that regulate blood pressure.  Your doctor will select the best drug treatment for you.

     Hypertension is a serious disease, but if it is properly diagnosed and you follow your physicians' recommendations, a very active (and healthier) lifestyle is possible!

    The Heart & Vascular Center participates in research studies on hypertension.  Patients enrolled in drug studies can receive free medicine and medical care.  For more information, call Mary Healy, R.N. at 365-0433.