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Hypertension and YOU

What is Hypertension?

High blood pressure or hypertension for adults

is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140

mmHg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of

90 mmHg or higher.

Signs and Symptoms

According to the CDC, High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because many

people don't realize they have it. High blood pressure often has no

warning signs or symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms (cont’)

The only way to detect whether or not you have high blood

pressure is to have your blood pressure measured by a doctor

or health professional—it is quick and painless.

Risk Factors

• Age (Risk increases as age increases)

• Race/Ethnicity (most prevalent in African Americans)

• Family History

• Diabetes (60% of diabetic individuals are also hypertensive)

Lifestyle Factors

• Overweight/Obesity

• Excessive Sodium Intake

• Inactivity/Sedentary Lifestyle

• Excessive Alcohol Intake

• Smoking

Texas Outlook

According to Dr. Mark H. Drazner of the University of

Texas Southwestern Medical Center, hypertension remains a major public health problem [in the DFW area] associated with

considerable morbidity and mortality...

Prevalence Among Texans

Who’s most at risk?

According to the Texas Behavioral Risk Factor

Surveillance System, Center for Health Statistics, African

American women age 45 and older comprise the highest risk group for hypertension among

Texans.

Prognosis

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart disease,

stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, an overall reduced quality of life,

and eventually death.

Treatment and Prevention

The first step in treating and/or preventing hypertension is discovering whether or not you have it. The seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7)

recommends screening every 2 years in persons with blood pressure less than 120/80 mmHg and every year with systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89

mmHg.

Treatment and Prevention (cont’)

The next step in the prevention and/or reversal of hypertension is

effecting a change in lifestyle.

Eat a Healthy Diet

The CDC, NIH, AHA and numerous other governmental and private

agencies alike recommend a diet low in sodium consisting of whole natural

foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean cuts of meat, and whole fibrous grains.

They also universally recommend consuming processed and fast foods

on an occasional basis only.

Lose Weight/Maintain a Healthy Weight (BMI)

Losing weight in addition to changing your diet can also lower your blood

pressure. The Body Mass Index (BMI) will tell you where you are currently with your

weight, and where you should aim.

To calculate your BMI, visit this website: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

Get Moving!

The Surgeon General recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate daily

activity, however you can be more active even if you don’t have time to exercise. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk or bike instead of driving for short trips, take a short

walk on your lunch break, get creative, you can do it!

Stop Unhealthy Habits

If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do, now is the optimal time to quit. In

addition to high blood pressure; lung cancer, emphysema, COPD and a

multitude of other preventable diseases are a direct result of smoking. Don’t wait

until it’s too late:

See http://smokefree.gov/ for more information.

Stop Unhealthy Habits (cont’)

Excessive alcohol use, including underage drinking and binge drinking

(drinking 5 or more drinks during a single occasion for men or 4 or more drinks during a single occasion for

women), can lead to increased risk of health problems such as hypertension, injuries, violence, liver diseases, and

cancer. Limit consumption to one drink per day for women, two per day for men.

Medication Options

If lifestyle changes do not help control blood pressure, or if your

blood pressure is excessively high, medications may be prescribed. No medication is without risk so make sure to talk with your doctor about any medications prescribed. Some

common blood pressure medications are:

Medications (cont’)

• Diuretics• Beta-blockers• ACE inhibitors• Angiotensin antagonists• Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)• Alpha-blockers• Alpha-beta-blockers• Nervous system inhibitors• Vasodilators

Final Thoughts

While there are some factors such as age and ethnicity that you cannot control, the

bulk of the responsibility is in your hands. You only have one body, you

won’t be given another. Never take it for granted.

“After all…it’s only your heart…” – Mr. P.

References• http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wellness/data.shtm• http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm• http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/treat/bpd_type.htm• http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/

uspstf07/hbp/hbprs.htm• http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/• http://smokefree.gov/• http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/• http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/wellness/PDF/posters/

hbp-prev-mort-poster.pdf• http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/123/3/327.full

Presented By:

Essence Carianne Kassandra

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