Hypertension – High Blood Pressure
By
John C Abercrombie
Hypertension is a sneaky condition because there are no acute signals, leading people to forgo treatment. Even when the condition is known, the seriousness is often grossly underestimated. However, left on its own, it is a major risk factor for stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral arterial disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease and dementia.
Let’s look at these conditions before proceeding:
- Stroke is the 3rd most common cause of death in people above the age of 65 with an increasing number of younger people being affected. It is one of the leading causes of disability in most adults. Claims 5.8 million lives annually. 2 times as many women die of stroke than breast cancer. Prompt calls for emergency medical services can significantly increase the chances of survival with improved recovery rates.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. Sometimes called coronary heart disease or ischemic heart disease. For some the first of CAD is a heart attack. Working with your health care team is vital to reduce the risk of CAD.
- Heart Failure also known as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF) is a set of manifestations caused by the failure of the heart to function as a pump supporting the blood flow through the body. Some signs are shortness of breath, excessive tiredness and leg swelling. The shortness of breath is usually worse with exercise or while lying down. It may wake a person at night. There may be limited ability to exercise, chest pain.
- Atrial Fabulation also known as AFib is the most common type of irregular heartbeat that causes the heart to beat too quickly and is one of the biggest concerns is the risk of stroke. People with AFib have about 5 ties greater risk of stroke.
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) in the legs or lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. Primarily caused by the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries called atherosclerosis. It can happen in any blood vessel but is more common in the legs than the arms.
- Vision Loss continued and untreated high blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina, resulting in vision loss.
- Chronic Kidney Disease again we see that high blood pressure and CKD are interrelated. This causes ineffective kidneys and the ability of the body to rid itself of toxin and demands the care of a nephrologist (Kidney Doctor) and or cardiac specialist (Heart Doctor).
- Demetria studies have shown a link between high blood pressure and dementia.
It is imperative that you seek the treatment of qualified health care professionals as these conditions don’t have acute symptoms. These conditions can be treated and are essential for a quality of life.
Blood pressure is classified by two measurements, the systolic and diastolic pressures, which are the maximum and minimum pressures, respectively. For most adults, normal blood pressure at rest is within the range of 100–130 millimeters mercury (mmHg) systolic and 60–80 mmHg diastolic. For most adults, high blood pressure is present if the resting blood pressure is persistently at or above 130/80 or 140/90 mmHg. Different numbers apply to children. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring over a 24-hour period appears more accurate than office-based blood pressure measurement.
Hypertension is a health problem that is more likely to affect Black communities. Many factors have been connected such as family history, weight and race. One of the main ways to avoid developing hypertension is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health (OMH) reported that in 2018, African Americans were 40% more likely to develop hypertension in comparison to non-Hispanic whites. Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, is known to disproportionately affect the black community. Not to mention, since it’s less likely for African Americans to have their high blood pressure under control, they are 4 to 5 times more likely to die of hypertension complications (e.g., stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease) in comparison to whites. Due to these odds and the racial disparity within the issue of high blood pressure, understanding what hypertension is and how to prevent it, is key for many Black Americans in order to live long, healthy lives.
Many people falsely believe that the only time to visit a doctor is when there are symptoms of something serious, but as with this condition, which is not the only time to learn about your health. Prevention is best, early treatment is next and we will not talk about not facing the problem.
Find a health care team you can trust and talk to. It is mandatory that you get annual check ups to maintain your health and quality of life.
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Hypertension Explained Clearly –
Causes, Diagnosis, Medications, Treatment, Pathophysiology Speaker: Roger Seheult, MD Clinical and Exam Preparation Instructor Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. MedCram: Medical topics explained clearly including Asthma, COPD, Acute Renal Failure, Mechanical Ventilation, Oxygen Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve, Hypertension, Secondary Hypertension, Shock, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), Medical Acid Base, VQ Mismatch, Hyponatremia, Liver Function Tests, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Adrenal Gland, Pneumonia Treatment, and many others.
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Hypertension in Blacks Book
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Hypertension Guidelines Explained Clearly –
2017 HTN Guidelines
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Hypertension Cookbook
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What Causes Racial Disparities in Hypertension Rates?
African-Americans experience higher rates of hypertension than any other racial group in America. Victoria Smith, MD explains what causes this disparity, as well as what African-Americans can do to help prevent high blood pressure.
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New African-American High Blood Pressure Guidelines
The American Medical Association has issued new blood pressure guidelines through its Joint National Committee (JNC). The eighth edition (JNC 8) has important information for African Americans since over forty percent of African Americans have high blood pressure according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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High blood pressure, or hypertension,
is a leading cause of heart disease, strokes, kidney failure. 45% of adults in America have hypertension and 90% of adults over the age of 65 have hypertension.
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Hypertension is a silent killer and disproportionately affects the Black community. This is due in part the fact that there are no obvious symptoms like pain etc. Although it is a serious condition, it is controllable and depends on a dependable care team. Prevention, such as lifestyle changes work wonders, early detection is the next best thing. Annual checks are the best way to maintain your health and quality of life.