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July 13, 2010
Home monitoring may prove more effective in reducing high blood pressure
Persons with high blood pressure who monitor the condition at home have more success reducing their blood pressure than those followed by a physician in a clinical setting, according to a study by Prof. Richard J. McManus from the University of Birmingham and colleagues. In the study, 527 patients age 35 to 85 were randomly assigned to one of two groups, Prof. McManus said. One group monitored blood pressure at home, the other received standard hypertension care from a physician. After six months, participants who managed their own care saw a 25 percent drop in systolic, or top, blood pressure compared to those with standard care. After a year, the systolic pressure drop in the self-managed group increased to 44 percent compared to the standard-care group. The findings "represent an important new addition to control of hypertension in primary care," McManus said. Full Story
HYPERTENSION
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is known as “the silent killer”. Approximately 90% of all cases of hypertension have no known cause and most people have no symptoms until severe physical damage has occurred.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTENSION
PRIMARY causes of hypertension include:
hereditary predisposition, obesity, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, heavy smoking, stress and lack of exercise.
SECONDARY causes of hypertension include:
glandular dysfunction, kidney disease, medication e.g. cortisone treatment or the pill.
People with uncontrolled high blood pressure are:
three times as likely to develop coronary heart disease,
six times as likely to develop congestive heart failure, and
seven times as likely to have a stroke.
High Blood Pressure speeds up the process of people’s arteries and arterioles scarring, hardening and becoming less elastic.
Fat, which normally circulates in the blood vessels, is rapidly pushed into the walls of arteries. These arteries may not be able to supply the amount of blood to the body’s organs. Without adequate oxygen and nutrients, the heart, brain and kidneys become susceptible to damage and cannot function properly.
Treating Hypertension
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that diagnosis of hypertension be made with one to two readings over three doctor visits.
Managing hypertension is a collaborative effort between the doctor, pharmacist and patient.
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The doctor to correctly diagnose and treat the patient;
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The pharmacist to assist the patient with medication etc; &
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The patient to follow instructions in order to live a long, happy life.
The healthy alternative:
A balanced diet of fresh vegetables, potatoes, rice, wholemeal bread and fruit.
Vegetable instead of animal fats and oils.
A low salt intake but rich in potassium
Low alcohol intake.
Regular exercise & recreation.
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