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| Obesity | |||
| Prevalence (home) | |||
| Definition | |||
| Causes | |||
| Why Be Worried? | |||
| Psycho-Social Factors | |||
| Medical Complications | |||
| Hypertension | |||
| Diabetes | |||
| Cholesterol | |||
| Fatty Liver | |||
| Metabolic Syndrome | |||
| Cancer | |||
| Osteoarthritis | |||
| Gallstones | |||
| Heart Attacks/Strokes | |||
| Sleep Apnea | |||
| Medical Treatments | |||
| Gimmicks & Low Carbs | |||
| FAQ's | |||
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| Weight Management Programs | |||
| For Patients | |||
| For Injured Workers | |||
| For Case Managers | |||
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| Eating Disorders | |||
| Compulsive Overeating | Diagnostic Criteria | ||
| Eating Behaviors & Moods | |||
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| Resources | |||
| Patient Education | |||
| Obesity Education Programs (first airing June, 2004) | Consulting & Med-legal Asst | ||
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| Cigna Hall of Shame | |||
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| Accessibility/Section 508 | |||
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| Office Location/Appts. | |||
| Michael D. Myers, M.D.,Inc. | |||
| 10601 Walker Street, Suite 250 | |||
| Cypress, CA (U.S.) 90630 | |||
| Voice: (562) 493-2266 | |||
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Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is the term for elevated blood pressure. If your blood pressure is 135/85 or higher each time it is measured and you are under age 65, you have hypertension. Blood pressure in the elderly can be higher and still be considered normal.
Normal blood pressure is generally defined as less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury pressure). The maximum acceptable systolic ("pressure") pressure is 120, which is developed when the heart is pumping; and the maximum acceptable diastolic (resting) pressure is 80 mm Hg. As either or both of these numbers rise, the work of the heart and blood vessels (to pump the blood through the body) increases and thereby increases the risk of major complications, such as heart attacks, hardening of the arteries, stroke, and heart failure.
How does hypertension occur?
Blood pressure is determined by a complex system of circulating hormones, many of which are made in fat tissue and the kidneys. These hormones control the diameter of the arteries and thereby control the pressure in the arteries. Approximately five percent of all cases of hypertension are due to treatable or reversible causes, including some hormone imbalances or kidney problems. But 95 percent of all high blood pressure is without identifiable cause and is referred to as "essential hypertension".Many different factors are associated
with high blood pressure: heredity, sex, age, race, stress, smoking,
a diet
high in salt, heavy use of alcohol, and especially obesity. The reasons
that obesity causes hypertension are multiple, but it appears that the excess
adipose (fat) tissue secretes substances that are acted on by the kidneys,
resulting in hypertension. Additionally, with obesity there are
generally higher amounts of insulin produced (because of the excess adipose
tissue)
and this
excess insulin also elevates blood pressure.
The first steps in treating essential
hypertension usually include lifestyle changes, such as the following:
What are the symptoms?
Hypertension usually causes no symptoms
for many years. This is why it is important to have your blood pressure measured
by a physician at least once every year. Severe hypertension can cause morning
headaches, dizziness, or chest pain, among other symptoms. If your blood pressure
is high, your doctor will ask you to come in again for further measurements. If
three or more blood pressure readings on different days are high, you probably
have hypertension.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment depends on how high your blood
pressure is and the degree of risk you have for the complications of the disorder.
The goal of treatment is to lower your blood pressure to a level as near normal
as possible to reduce risk of complications. High blood pressure will not kill
you, but its complications can.
- Losing weight
if you are overweight.
- Reducing the amount of salt or
sodium in your diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Limiting the amount of alcoholic
and caffeinated beverages you drink.
- Reducing stress.
- Working on quitting smoking.
If these lifestyle changes do not lower your blood pressure enough, your physician may prescribe an anti-hypertensive medication.
There are many types of anti-hypertensive drugs: some remove excess salt and water from your body (diuretics); some dilate the blood
vessels; some counteract the substances produced by fat tissue
that elevate blood pressure; and some make your heart pump less strongly.
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| Updated:
28 May 2004. Copyright © 1996-2004 Michael D. Myers, M.D., Inc. All rights reserved. |
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The above information is for general purposes only and should not be construed as definitive or binding medical advice. Because each person is medically different, individuals should consult their own personal physicians for specific information and/or treatment recommendations.