Managing High Blood Pressure

MommyWannaBe asked:


My blood pressure is normally about 150-160 over 90. I am a highly stressed person all the time. I have bad anxiety alot. But once my infertility doctor sees how high my blood pressure is, will he not let me continue with the treatment to be able to have kids? Is there any safe blood pressure medicine you can take while pregnant that won’t hurt the babies?

Sara

lil_shanshan113084 asked:


Me and my husband was thinking about have another baby in 2 years, but I have high blood pressure during my first pregnancy. In my thought, I don’t want to hurt my husband’s feeling about not have another baby.

Derek

Kristina asked:


Im 38 weeks and i had a doc visit today and my blood pressure was high and they double checked it to make sure. My doc has scheduled me an apt for tues just to get my blood pressure checked and she said that if it dosent go down well talk about it then. What usually happens? Im nervous to hear what she has to tell me so i want to be prepared what she will more than likely do and say.

Beth

Peter rodrick asked:


High blood pressure is a serious condition that affects one in four adults. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body. It is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. It makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and causes the hardening of the arteries. Normal blood pressure is less than 130/85. High blood pressure is higher than 140/90. Hypertension is between 120/80 and 140/90.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

Studies show many different kinds of secondary high blood pressure where the primary causes may be quite different from the continuing causes. An example is a rare disease known as coarctation of the aorta, a disease of the large artery carrying blood out of the heart. In this condition, the aorta is tightly constricted a few inches beyond its origin and then expands to its normal diameter. Undoubtedly, blood pressure must rise above the constriction and fall below it, just as it does when one compresses a hosepipe. Yet, if this constriction is removed surgically and the normal continuity of the aorta is restored, blood pressure usually takes several years to fall to normal level. The initial case of high blood pressure is the constriction, but the continuing cause is probably complex changes in circulating hormones, which function to maintain blood flow through the kidneys despite the obstruction, which may persist for a long time even after the obstruction, has gone.

Pressure in a hose can be regulated either by controlling the rate at which fluid passes through it or by widening it. Pressure inside your arteries can cause the muscles that line the walls of the arteries to thicken. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood. When the heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. Still, for most of your waking hours, your blood pressure stays pretty much the same when you are sitting or standing still.

The last cause is one in which you have absolutely no control over. It is genetics. On its own, genetics doesn’t cause high blood pressure, but it feeds all the other causes. Think of it as fertilizer so to speak. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, then your very prone to getting it yourself. With the right genes you can have a high fat and sodium diet, never exercise, drink tons of coffee and stress out on a daily basis, yet still have a reasonably low blood pressure. With the wrong genes, even a little too much salt may be enough to kick your blood pressure into a dangerous range.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure has no symptoms. But if you feel a dull ache in the back of your head when you wake up one morning, or you have few more nosebleeds than normal, you could have a high blood pressure. Headaches, nosebleeds, and dizziness are also common warning signs and symptoms of high blood pressure, but these do not occur until high blood pressure has reached a more advanced stage. However, many people even with the highest blood pressure readings do not feel any of these symptoms.

Palpitations, tension headaches and hyperventilation are symptoms of anxiety and so are common in people who are anxious or frightened. If they already have these symptoms and are then unfortunately found to have high blood pressure, then the diagnosis may confirm their fears and reinforce the symptoms. Others may get palpitations for the first time after they have been told that they have high blood pressure. They are not caused by high blood pressure itself, but by fear of it and what the diagnosis means. The symptoms usually disappear, although not always immediately, with adequate explanation of what a diagnosis of high blood pressure really means.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is considered a modern day disease that can lead to heart disease and stroke. As soon as symptoms are apparent, the proper treatment should be sought immediately. Hypertension, if left untreated, can cause the heart to enlarge due to the increased force necessary to pump blood against the greater resistance in your vessels. It is often called “the silent killer”. It affects nearly 50 million Americans

High Blood Pressure Treatment

Complimentary Therapies - Right medication will curb the level of blood pressure. Living a life with the right practice and involvement will help you to get better relief. It is advisable to join any meditation group or even you can buy books that teach you meditation. In spite of increasing the level of blood pressure, meditation will put an end to the trouble. Moreover, meditation will make your mind to achieve balance pose and position.

Acupuncture combined with electric stimulation or electro-acupuncture can lower elevations of blood pressure in human beings. When the research was conducted for the first time, acupuncture needles were inserted on the inside of the forearm just above the wrist, but to no avail. Researchers then started adding electric stimulation to the needles, which means that electric would start flowing from the needles to the body.



Brad

Shannon asked:


I counted how many beats I had per minute and it came out to about 75-

So I was just wondering, what is classified as high blood pressure in teens, and if there is a classification for low blood pressure, what is that??

Linda

Gabe asked:


As with yesterday, whenever i get worried or anxious or stressed, my blood pressure gets extremely high and i start having chest pains. like yesterday, it went up to 170 over 115 then after i was taken to the e.r. and calmed down my blood pressure was 130 or 75. Can having these bouts of high blood pressure be dangerous? Other than that, tests have ruled out heart problems.
Im diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, psychosis, and anxiety disorders.

Maureen

Lace asked:


or, do you have symptoms with high blood pressure?
I was just recently told i had high blood pressure, never would of thought it, i even told the doctor, i feel fine…wow…silent killer huh? thats pretty scarey, i didnt know that….thanks…

Vernon

Sharyce Arciaga asked:


High blood pressure is one of the most serious problems today with reports estimating that more than 50 million Americans suffer from the condition. High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause any symptoms in the early stages and often runs in families.

High blood pressure illness is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). High blood pressure or (hypertension) is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.

The illness can also be caused by an underlying conditions: such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease, and the use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, or herbs such as licorice. 

High blood pressure is a very dangerous, sometimes life-threatening condition, affecting people all around the world.  It occurs when there is an increase of force against the arterial wall, with potentially damaging consequences. 

The illness occurs more often in men than in women, and in African Americans almost twice as often as in Caucasians. The disease is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and it contributes to hardening of the arteries.

It can occur in children or adults, but it’s more common among people over age 35. It is believed by some in the medical profession that High blood pressure can be cured by taking high amounts of magnesium and calcium in food.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure.  It is also estimated to affect about two million American teens and children and the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that many are under-diagnosed.

Herbal medicines rarely have significant side effects when used appropriately and at suggested doses. Herbal remedies can effectively be used to treat high blood pressure instead of the pharmaceutical drugs by those who want to avoid such adverse reactions as dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, bloating, constipation, depression, and others caused by anti-hypertensive medications.

Herbs are effective but it is important that you consult your doctor and understand the severity of your condition first so that the correct approach is taken. Herbs have shown overwhelming evidence that they work. Herbs that lower blood pressure such as Stevia and Passionflower have been scientifically validated in a study in the early 1980’s.

They act in almost magical and astonishing ways: spasms may relax, pains vanish, constipation overcome, nervousness recede, headaches disappear, colds banished, allergies counteracted, fevers controlled, and blood flow arrested. 

High blood pressure tea, a mixture of valerian root, ginger root, motherwort leaves, and hawthorn berries and flowers can also be used to reduce hypertension. Herbal tea is more available nowadays and has become more popular among mainstream consumers who are discovering the benefits of herbal tea.  

Garlic helps to break up toxins which leads to abnormal blood pressure and heart problems.  Garlic is one of the most ancient of herbs going back to 3,000 BC. This bulb that is so common and abundantly available has shown to be beneficial. 

Garlic (Allium Sativum) has been used to treat high blood pressure and lower cholesterol effectively. In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials of garlic supplements, it was indicated that in three trials it showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. 

Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. High blood pressure garlic can be taken but should not be taken alone for it can increase dullness of the mind. 

Herbal hawthorn and vitamin C helps in widening of blood vessels and regulate heart rate.  Herbal products like fish oils and flax-seed oil help in proper blood circulation as well.



Dawn

Michelle Bery asked:


For those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, the enormity of the situation can be overwhelming. Leaving high blood pressure untreated can result in a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and a number of other diseases. High blood pressure is your body’s way of giving you an alert. And while the changes that are necessary to combat high blood pressure may feel like a hurdle you have to face, it’s absolutely imperative to listen to the message your body is sending you.

As any doctor will tell you, diet and high blood pressure exercise are huge components in the battle against high blood pressure. If you haven’t been told already, you will soon be told to start making dietary changes. Foods high in fat, salt, and preservatives will soon be replaced with natural alternatives such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

But just as important is high blood pressure exercise. Getting your body moving gets your heart pumping which in turn lowers blood pressure. If it’s been awhile since you’ve committed yourself to any consistent exercise then it’s best to start out small. Any physical activity - for even the smallest duration - will affect change in your body. As you build on this success your endurance will increase and you’ll soon be able to do more high blood pressure exercise for longer periods of time. Strive for high blood pressure exercise at least three days a week. As your body gets stronger and your heart gets healthier, you should see lowering of your blood pressure.

Start out with walking. Walking is a fantastic high blood pressure exercise as it has little impact on your joints and keeps your pulse rate elevated consistently.

Of course, before you begin any exercise program, it is imperative that you consult with your doctor. Based on your physical history and dependent upon the severity of your blood pressure your doctor can recommend the safest high blood pressure exercise program that will best impact your health.

If your high blood pressure exercise program - along with other diet and lifestyle changes - fails to lower your blood pressure than you may have a genetic predisposition to hypertension. In this case, your doctor may recommend medication along with diet and a consistent high blood pressure exercise program.

By attacking high blood pressure on all fronts -through diet, lifestyle, an effective high blood pressure exercise program, and possibly medication - you can successfully manage your high blood pressure and enjoy a healthy life.



Karl

claudy_kay asked:


I have high blood pressure and I am on medication. I live at 7635 ft. and work at 4000 ft. What does this constant up and down do to a person over 50? What I’m experiencing is headaches and fatigue when I’m at 7635 ft. could this be the cause of high blood pressure and the altitude?

Vincent