High blood pressure also known as Hypertension is a very common condition seen in modern life. In most cases, the true cause is unknown. Certain hormonal changes in the kidneys may be partially responsible. Nervous tension also plays an important part, for reasons that are not too clear at present. A certain tumor, known as a pheochromocytoma, may also raise the blood pressure, but this is very rare. In about ten percent of cases, infections of the kidneys are also sometimes responsible.
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Nervous factors also play a large part. For instance, if the person with high blood pressure merely plunges his hand into an ice cold water, his pressure will rise far above the level of someone else who does not have hypertension. This may be due to irritability of the nervous system. Any kind of excitement will cause the hypertensive patient’s heart to pound more vigorously, and this pounding or palpitation may last for a longer than normal time. People with untreated hypertension do not live as long as those whose blood pressure are normal. However, when the patient is given the proper treatment, he can usually expect to live a more or less normal life, unless the pressure is very high.
Normal blood pressure is 120/70, but may go up to 140/90 and still be normal. Anything above this tends toward hypertension, especially if the pressure goes up to 180/120. The upper figure is known as the systolic pressure, but it is the lower or diastolic pressure that gives doctors the greatest concern. The diastolic pressure should be maintained below 90, if at all possible.
Patients with high blood pressure often complain of headaches, the pain being located in the back part of the head and neck. Tiredness and fatigue, often without any obvious cause, may be another indication of hypertension. Such persons may also complain of dizziness, especially at the moment of sitting up or lying down. Palpation of the heart is also seen in patients with hypertension. Organs most likely affected are the heart, brain and kidneys.
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Treatment:
- Patients with high blood pressure should always try to follow a well-balanced program of exercise and rest. Walking is an excellent form of exercise. It builds strong muscles and helps to relieve the tensions of life. This also aids in the circulation of the blood. The excessive use of tea and coffee should be avoided because both contain caffeine, a highly stimulating drug that always whips up the nervous system into further activity.
- Patients with high blood pressure should not smoke, for tobacco constricts the smaller vessels, raises the blood pressure and increases the workload of the heart.
- Avoid the excessive use of salt, for this increases the pressure as well as the work of the heart.
- Most important of all, one must try to develop a contented mind. A quiet restful attitude will do much to relieve the tensions of everyday living. Train yourself to shut out all the discordant sounds of the world around you. Try to forget the worries that often lead to hypertension.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
~Low blood pressure or Hypotension will be discussed in subsequent posts. Cheers!~