Health Information Series

Posts Tagged ‘High Blood Pressure’

You all know the consequences of over-consumption of fast food. We know it is a risk factor for obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease. If this seemed to us recently, the news is that it has discovered a more negative effect to add to the list of hazards associated with junk food : premature aging .

As studies have shown the School of Dental Medicine Harvard University , foods rich in trans fats, such as hamburgers and fries, accelerate the process of aging in the body and reduce life expectancy. This is due to the presence of phosphate, a component that many restaurants use to conserve and enhance the flavor of these foods, the effects are toxic to the body if consumed regularly. Read the rest of this entry »

When someone suffers from hypertension, we mean that your blood pressure is too high. This can occur drinking age, inherited genetic factors or organic disorders or even stress, obesity, smoking and other unhealthy habits. Although hypertension usually presents no direct symptoms and many do not realize they have it, sometimes evidenced by dizziness, extreme tiredness, dizziness, headaches, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Read the rest of this entry »

Habits that increase blood pressure

After 30 years there are many lifestyles that most often affect our health. You know that an unbalanced diet is a major risk factor for many diseases, including hypertension.

Hypertensives are prohibited sodium intake directly affects blood pressure, but there are other habits or factors that may also affect both hypertensive patients and those who have not yet developed high blood pressure.

1. Caffeine: is one of the main substances that increase the pressure and is found in coffee, tea, cocoa powder, chocolate and cola carbonated beverages.

2. Alcohol consumption by drinking 90 ml of alcohol per day are increasing blood pressure by 3 mm, so excessive and continuous consumption of alcohol is another risk factor for both hypertension and arrhythmia and other heart problems.

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In the treatment of hypertension, a proper diet are necessary to individual needs, control of sodium and a series of recommendations to guide the person towards a healthier lifestyle.

The current consumption of salt (sodium chloride) in our country is above the real needs of this mineral. Too much sodium is related to fluid retention in the tissues of the body and therefore with increasing voltage values. Contains much less sodium diet, the easier it is to eliminate the excess in the urine and thus help normalize blood pressure levels. The low sodium diet also benefits people with cardiovascular disease or advanced liver with fluid retention.

On the other hand, hypertension is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, so that dietary recommendations should also include guidelines for normal weight (if overweight or obese), control the quality of fat and cholesterol, and ensure an adequate amount of fiber and natural antioxidants, related to the prevention of these diseases.

About 90 to 95 percent of all cases of high blood pressure is what is called primary or essential hypertension. This means that you know the real cause of high blood pressure, but there are various factors related to the disease. The risk of hypertension is higher if you:

* A family history of hypertension.
* It is African American. African Americans have a higher incidence of hypertension than whites, and the disease usually appears at an earlier age and be more severe.
* It is male. In women the risk is higher after 55 years.
* Has over 60 years. The blood vessels become weak with age and lose their elasticity.
* It faces high levels of stress. According to some studies, stress, anger, hostility and other personality characteristics contribute to hypertension, but the results have not always been uniform. Emotional factors most likely contribute to the risk of certain people who have other risk factors for hypertension.
* Are overweight or obese.
* Use snuff products. Smoking damages blood vessels.
* Use oral contraceptives. Women who smoke and use oral contraceptives greatly increase their risk.
* Eat a diet high in saturated fat.
* Eat a diet high in sodium (salt).
* Drink more than a moderate amount of alcohol. Experts say that moderate consumption is an average of one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. One drink is defined as 1.5 fl oz (44 ml) of spirits with an alcoholic strength of 40 ° (80 proof) (eg. Bourbon, Scotch, vodka, gin, etc.), 1 fl oz ( 30 ml) of spirits with an alcoholic strength of 50 ° (100 proof), 4 fluid ounces (118 ml) of wine or 12 fluid ounces (355 ml) of beer.
* It is physically inactive.
* Have diabetes.

Researchers have also discovered a gene that appears to be linked to hypertension. Having the gene does not mean that a person or their children will develop high blood pressure. But it means they will have a greater chance of getting it, so it is important to monitor blood pressure regularly.

The 5-10 per cent of patients with high blood pressure have what is called secondary hypertension. This means that high blood pressure is caused by another disease or condition. Many cases of secondary hypertension are caused by kidney disorders. The following are other factors that can cause secondary hypertension

* Disorders of the parathyroid glands.
* Acromegaly, which is when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone.
* Tumors of the adrenal or pituitary glands.
* Reactions to medications prescribed for other medical problems.
* Pregnancy.

Hypertension, the medical term for high blood pressure is known as “the silent killer.” At least 72 million Americans suffer from hypertension and as many as 20 million of them do not even know it. Untreated, high blood pressure greatly increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke (or stroke).

The heart pumps blood through a network of arteries, veins and capillaries. The moving blood pushes against artery walls and this force is measured as blood pressure.

High blood pressure is caused by a narrowing of very small arteries called arterioles that regulate blood flow in the body. As these arterioles tighten (or contract), the heart has to work harder to pump blood through a smaller space, and the pressure inside the vessels grows.

Hypertension can affect health in four main ways:

* Hardening of the arteries. The pressure inside the arteries can increase the thickness of the muscles that line the walls of the arteries. This thickening narrows the arteries. If a blood clot blocking blood flow to the heart or brain, can cause a heart attack or stroke.

* Enlargement of the heart. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder. As widely used all muscle, the heart enlarges. The larger the heart, the less able it is to maintain adequate blood flow. When this happens, you feel weak and tired and not able to exercise or physical activity. The heart has begun to fail under the strain. Without treatment, heart failure will worsen.

* Kidney damage. Prolonged high blood pressure can damage the kidneys if the arteries that irrigate affected.

* Eye damage. In diabetes, high blood pressure can cause the tiny capillaries in the retina of the eye to bleed. This condition, called retinopathy, can cause blindness.