Health Chat

R. CHINDOMU,
S. CHIDZOMBA,
K. BHAGAT &
L. KALANTLE | Monday April 7, 2008 00:00

As the heart pumps, the flow of blood in your arteries rises and falls in a regular pattern.  Blood pressure peaks when the heart pumps and falls as the heart relaxes. That is why blood pressure is given in two numbers.  Normal blood pressure reading is 120/80mmHg.
Blood pressure may vary through out the day.  Emotions, body position, sleep and breathing may also cause the fall and rise of blood pressure.

* Signs and symptoms
There are very seldom any warning signs, for this reason, high blood pressure is often called the 'Silent Killer'.

* Causes of High Blood Pressure
There is no obvious reason why blood pressure remains high however there are several factors that may influence blood pressure. You may be at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure if you:

a) Are overweight
b) Drink too much alcohol
c) Smoke
d) Have a family history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack
e) Are taking an oral contraceptive pill
f) Have high cholesterol or diabetes
g) Do not exercise
h) Lead a stressful life.

Investigations:
* Physical examination by the doctor
* 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
* Urinalysis and various blood tests
* Electrocardiogram (ECG)- which measures the heart's electrical activity
* Echocardiogram- which uses ultrasound waves to visualize the structures and functions of the heart.
* Chest x-ray- to rule out an enlarged heart.

Treatment
* Blood pressure is affected by the force with which the heart pumps blood, the width of the blood vessels, and the volume of blood in circulation.

* Each type of anti-hypertensive drug work in a different way to reduce pressure
* Anti-hypertensive drugs do not cure blood pressure but can reduce blood pressure and control the condition.

* The selection of anti-hypertensive drugs varies according to the individual's requirements. Sometimes a single drug type will produce the desired effects and in other cases a combination of drugs may be required.

* Treatment usually relieves headaches, palpitations, however, since most people have no evidence of symptoms, improvement in blood pressure may not be noticed.

* It is still essential to continue with the medication.
* It is possible to gradually reduce the dosage when blood pressure return to normal. How can I control my blood pressure?

Although there is no cure for high blood pressure there are ways to control it:
* Reduce weight- eat a balanced diet that contains less fat and more fruit, vegetables
* Do not smoke
* Limit alcohol intake
* Reduce your intake of salt and foods high in salt
* Exercise regularly. 30 minutes of brisk walking every day
* Try to avoid worrying situations or work on more effective ways to cope stress
* Help yourself- make sure that you take your blood pressure medicines and that you have your blood pressure measured regularly.
nursprac@cardiacclinic.co.bw