• Hypertension is the clinical term for high blood pressure. • Blood pressure is a measure of how much force is applied to your blood vessels when your heart pumps. In hypertension, high pressure puts blood vessels (and the tissues they serve) at risk of damage.
• Hypertension is a serious concern, as a rupture, leak, or blood clot can be lifethreatening.
• Excess sodium and fat in diet: Eating too much of foods like deli meat, canned soup, pizza, dairy, red meat, poultry skins, potato chips, etc. • Lifestyle and environment: Smoking, drinking, lack of physical activity, stress, etc. • Other underlying factors: Sleep apnea, kidney problems, thyroid problems, congenital defects, and adrenal tumors. Natural factors like age, race, and family history can also play a role.
• If left unchecked, hypertension can lead to: o Heart attack o Stroke o Heart failure o Aneurysms o Vision loss o Kidney damage o Metabolism problems o Memory problems o Dementia
• The effects on the kidneys are of special concern, as they filter blood and regulate important fluids and chemicals. In other words, your kidneys usually regulate blood pressure. • If blood vessels become narrow or weak, the kidney tissues can be damaged and fail to work properly. • Kidney damage drives up blood pressure, which in turn causes more kidney damage. Without intervention, this is a downward spiral toward kidney failure.
• A hypertension doctor will first identify lifestyle and diet changes that can be made to improve blood pressure over time and keep it at a healthy level for the long term. • If necessary, medications may also be prescribed. • Types and examples: thiazide diuretics (Hygroton), calcium channel blockers (Norvasc), ACE inhibitors (Vasotec), angiotensin II receptor blockers (Avapro), beta blockers (Lopressor)
• Use the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet guidelines, which reduce sodium and increase nutrition. • A few key elements of the DASH diet : •
2,000 calories per day of low-sodium, lowfat foods (no adding salt to season)
• 4-5 servings each of fruits and vegetables per day • Guidelines to focus on nutrition and making healthy choices for the long term
• If you’re overweight or inactive, getting more exercise and losing weight can reduce pressure. • Find ways to reduce stress. Meditation, counseling, or even small adjustments to your work environment may help.
• Mitigate other risk factors. Quit smoking, reduce your alcohol consumption, and make sure you’re properly managing any chronic conditions that could contribute to high blood pressure.
• Crystal Run Healthcare is a New York provider of quality healthcare services across a variety of medical and surgical specialties. From primary care to cardiology, we use up-to-date knowledge and technology to provide patients with the most accurate, effective care possible. • You can easily book an appointment with many Crystal Run Healthcare physicians through the website or contact us if you need additional assistance.