TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH How Common Is Hypertension? One out of every four US adults has hypertension, yet only 27% receive adequate treatment. The condition becomes more common with age (about 63% of older adults have hypertension). African-Americans are particularly prone to hypertension, even in middle age. It is also more common in overweight people and in those with a family history of hypertension. How Is It Diagnosed? A "normal" BP is usually defined as less than 120/80 mm Hg. If your systolic BP is higher than 140 or your diastolic BP is higher than 90 in three consecutive readings on three different occasions, then your doctor may suggest that you be treated for hypertension. Some Final Comments Don't let hypertension get you down. If you follow your doctor's instructions, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and stay on your medication, you will be able to control your BP and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Inc

The Lowdown on High Blood Pressure The medical term for high blood pressure (BP) is hypertension. BP is essential to keep blood circulating through the body, bringing food and oxygen to vital organs. Blood flows through your veins and arteries, which also carry blood away from the heart. With each heartbeat, blood is pushed into the arteries. BP consists of two forces: the pressure of the blood against the artery walls and the arteries' resistance to the blood flow.      Everyone's BP rises and falls throughout the day; however, when a person's BP remains elevated at all times, hypertension will likely be diagnosed. The first number (140) is your systolic BP, the highest pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts. The second number (90) is your diastolic BP, the lowest pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats. Causes and Symptoms of Hypertension In about 95% of cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown. It may also be caused by such conditions as kidney disease; adrenal disorders; a structural abnormality of the aorta; pregnancy; the use of certain medications; or one of several rare diseases. People with diabetes are also at risk for high BP.      Most people with hypertension have no symptoms, which is why the condition has been called the "silent killer" and why it is important to have your BP checked regularly. If your BP is very high, however, you may experience headaches, fatigue, confusion, changes in your vision, anxiety, excessive sweating, or redness in the face. Hypertension slowly damages the heart, brain, kidneys, and arteries. It is also a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Treatment Without Medication Lifestyle changes may be all you need to lower your BP, especially if you have mild or high-normal pressure (which your doctor will determine). The American Heart Association recommends these: Follow a healthy diet. Restrict your intake of sodium and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and fat-free/low-fat dairy products. Drink alcohol in moderation. More than two drinks per day can drive up BP. Lose weight. Losing a few pounds can lower BP. Exercise regularly. Engage in moderate- to-vigorous exercise for about 30 to 60 minutes per day at least 3 days a week. Stop smoking. Manage stress. Taking short relaxation breaks at work and at home can help lower BP. Drug Therapy If lifestyle changes are not enough, then your doctor may prescribe antihypertensive (BP-lowering) medication. You may start with a diuretic (water pill), which will help to rid your body of excess fluids and salt. Diuretics are particularly beneficial in older adults and in African-Americans. Some patients require additional treatment or different therapy, however. Only your doctor knows for sure which medications may be right for you. As with all medications, you should report any ill effects to your doctor when taking these. Beta-blockers reduce the heart rate and the heart's output of blood. Alpha-blockers reduce BP by opening up the smaller arteries. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) affect angiotensin, a hormone that causes arteries to constrict. Direct vasodilators widen blood vessels by relaxing the muscles. Calcium channel blockers (CCB) relax arteries. Central alpha agonists lower BP by widening the blood vessels. They are often used by pregnant women with hypertension.