High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps the blood around the body.

BP is recorded as 2 numbers e.g. 120/80 mmHg.

· The upper number is the systolic pressure, this is the pressure in the arteries as the heart ejects blood  with  each heart beat.

· The lower number is the diastolic pressure, this is the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes before the next beat.

 

Blood Pressure Ratings

Blood Pressure Varies

Blood pressure does not stay the same all the time.  It’s always changing to meet your body’s needs.  The pressure can vary according to numerous influences such as posture (whether lying or standing), emotion, pain and sleep.  It can also increase the first time a patient sees a new doctor, the readings tend to decrease as the patient becomes more relaxed at subsequent visits.

The best time to measure BP is when you are relaxed and sitting or lying down.

High Blood Pressure

The causes of high blood pressure vary.  These may include:

· Narrowing of the arteries

· A greater than normal volume of blood

· The heart beating faster than it should

Any of these conditions will cause increased pressure against the artery walls.  High BP means that the heart has to pump harder to get the blood around the body. This strain can have serious consequences such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease; the most common cause of death and disability in Australia. Evidence shows that some simple lifestyle changes may prevent high blood pressure.

If BP remains high, it can lead to serious problems such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

Some statistics:

· High BP constitutes approximately 1/4 of the risk for heart attack

· High BP is the leading cause of stroke

· High BP can cause heart failure and kidney failure

· Figures show, that a BP > 160/95 mmHg increases the risk of coronary heart disease  by 2–3 times and increases the risk of stroke by 7 times

· Borderline hypertension increases the risk of coronary heart disease by 1.5 times, and stroke by 3 times

While blood pressure generally rises with age, raised blood pressure in the elderly should not be accepted as normal.  Such people should be investigated to see whether they need treatment.

The Effects of Hypertension

High blood pressure is often called “The Silent Killer” as there are no detectable changes and no apparent symptoms in the early years. Initial damage from high BP may be partly reversible, if BP is lowered, however prolonged high BP damage is permanent.

High BP damages blood vessels and organs in the body. The arteries are particularly vulnerable.  It causes thickening of the layers of the arterial wall.  High BP also tends to promote atherosclerosis which is the build up of fatty and fibrous material known as atheroma or plaque on the inside surfaces of arteries.  Arteries can become narrowed and eventually impair the flow of blood to the tissues.

Factors that Contribute to High Blood Pressure

· Hereditary factors

· Obesity and overweight

· Lack of exercise

· A diet high in salt and saturated fat

· Smoking

· Heavy drinking

· Kidney disease

· High blood cholesterol

· Diabetes

Controlling Blood Pressure 

There are several lifestyle changes that can be made to control your blood pressure. These should be considered even if you are on medication.

Be active

Regular, moderate aerobic exercise reduces high blood
pressure by 10–15 mmHg. Exercise will:

· Lower muscle tension and BP caused by stress

· Promote deeper and more restful sleep

· Improve mood and concentration

Drink alcohol and caffeine in moderation

3 or 4 standard drinks of beer, wine or spirits a day can increase the risk of High BP up to three times compared with that of non-drinkers’. The higher the consumption, the greater the risk. Blood pressure usually falls when alcohol intake decreases.

Caffeine is a stimulant which can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Limit caffeine drinks (tea, coffee and cola drinks) to no more than four a day.

Restrict salt intake

Avoiding salt will help to lower blood pressure in some people. Most Australians (adults and children) eat more salt than they need. Do not add extra salt to your food or your cooking and select lower salt/sodium reduced processed foods.

Smoking

Nicotine is a stimulant and can increase your BP. Cigarette smoking combined with the effects of high BP on the arteries greatly accelerates the progress of atherosclerosis.  Smoking and High BP are a lethal combination.

Relax

Acute emotional stress raises blood pressure sharply. Progressive muscular relaxation may lower it. Try to incorporate relaxation exercises such as meditation/yoga into your daily routine. Take the time to relax!

References

National Heart Foundation: www.heartfoundation.com.au

Better Health Channel: www.betterhealthchannel.vic.gov.au

For More Information

Wesley Corporate Health

Level 2 / 46 Edward Street

Brisbane  Qld  4000

Phone:  07 3234 2600

Email: info@weshealth.com.au

Heartline (National) 1300 362 787

Disclaimer

This Fact Sheet is provided for your information only and does not replace qualified medical advice. The information provided may not apply to every person or all situations. A medical practitioner should be consulted for all treatment and medication.

Lose weight if you are overweight

People who are overweight and hypertensive can reduce their blood pressure significantly by losing weight. The first step is to reduce fat in the diet and   increase regular physical activity. If you are overweight, a 5–10% reduction in your weight can significantly improve your health.