High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a very common disorder linked to heart attacks and strokes. It is caused by a number of lifestyle factors, such as drinking, smoking, lack of physical activity and diet. High blood pressure also runs in families. Luckily, there are a number of medications and life changes that can help manage high blood pressure and prevent it from doing more damage. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure affects one in three adults in America, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). When blood passes through the arteries too quickly for too long, it can harden blood vessel walls, make the heart work too hard, and hurt the kidneys and brain, the institute says.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition in which blood pressure readings persistently exceed 140/90.
- Researchers aren’t sure why, but African Americans tend to suffer from high blood pressure more than other ethnic groups, according to NHLBI. Hypertension is more common among this group, and it tends to occur at an earlier age and have worse effects.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview …
MedlinePlus
has an illustrated, interactive online hypertension tutorial. This explains what the cardiovascular system is, how high blood pressure develops, how it’s diagnosed and how it’s treated. This tutorial is also available in a five-page PDF.
HealthAtoZ.com
is an extremely user-friendly site. The simple layout and design make getting the desired information both quick and easy. In this case, HealthAtoZ.com has a concise introduction to hypertension covering everything from causes and symptoms to prevention.
For women …
The American Heart Association
has specialized hypertension information for women. Learn what blood pressure is, what the different levels mean and how your blood pressure is affected if you're taking oral contraceptives, are pregnant, are overweight, are postmenopausal, are African American or have a family with a history of high blood pressure.
For seniors …
The National Institute on Aging
has information for older adults that explains how to understand, prevent, and treat high blood pressure.
Diagnosis and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
A doctor diagnoses high blood pressure by using a cuff that goes around the arm and a stethoscope to take readings over a period of days or weeks. Though it can’t be cured, hypertension can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and taking medication.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Smoking and a lack of physical activity are two contributing factors to hypertension. To learn more about how to quit smoking, see the findingDulcinea Quit Smoking Web Guide. To learn more about how to become active, visit the findingDulcinea Fitness Web Guide, which also has detailed information about yoga, running, swimming, cycling and weight lifting. If you’re interested in participating in team sports, browse the Web guides in the findingDulcinea Sports section.
- Smoking and a lack of physical activity are two contributing factors to hypertension. To learn more about how to quit smoking, see the findingDulcinea Quit Smoking Web Guide. To learn more about how to become active, visit the findingDulcinea Fitness Web Guide, which also has detailed information about yoga, running, swimming, cycling and weight lifting. If you’re interested in participating in team sports, browse the Web guides in the findingDulcinea Sports section.
- Prolonged stress can also contribute to hypertension. To learn more about stress and how to manage it, see the findingDulcinea Stress Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For diagnosis …
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
explains how doctors measure blood pressure using a cuff and stethoscope. Take a look at the different parts of the cuff, see a table that illustrates high blood pressure’s stages and get tips for having your blood pressure taken.
For medications …
Mayo Clinic
describes the different types of medication your doctor may prescribe to control each stage of high blood pressure. Learn what diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin II receptor blockers do.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
has tips for reminding yourself to take blood pressure medication, such as putting sticky notes around the house to help you remember or arranging a daily phone call with a friend who is also taking it.
For lifestyle changes …
WebMD
has an extensive article on exercising with high blood pressure. This page outlines the benefits, gives advice for getting started, and suggests exercises and how to stay with them. Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
Mayo Clinic
has a page devoted to the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet that involves reducing sodium and fat in your cooking. Get suggestions for more healthy foods, tips for grocery shopping and stocking your kitchen, and DASH diet recipes.
For alternative high blood pressure treatments …
WebMD
discusses complementary and alternative treatments for high blood pressure, such as taking herbal supplements. Some supplements, such as Coenzyme Q10, have shown promise in lowering blood pressure, but because any supplement can negatively interfere with your existing medications, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before taking it.
For clinical trials …
ClinicalTrials.gov
is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that provides a list of research clinical trials currently underway to study high blood pressure. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.
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