Health Options
It's May, which in Camelot would be considered a "lusty" month. But outside Camelot, May is considered both National High Blood Pressure Education Month and American Stroke Month. Ignoring high blood
pressure can be deadlyEven though 20 to 25 percent of Americans have high blood pressure, about one-third do not know it. And consequences can be deadly.
High blood pressure, or hypertension as it is also known, increases the risk of heart attacks and stokes. Hypertension also increases the risk of kidney failure.
So, when was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? Were you told you have high blood pressure? Was it greater than 140/90? And if so, what does that mean?
Question: What is blood pressure?
Answer: Blood pressure is simply the force exerted against the artery walls as blood is pumped throughout the body. The first number (systolic) indicates the pressure while the heart is contracting. The second number (diastolic) is the pressure when the heart is at rest. Blood pressure continually changes as people go about their daily lives.
Q: Is a single reading greater than 140/90 indicative of hypertension?
A: Not necessarily. Many factors affect blood pressure readings. Something as simple as talking or crossing your ankles during your reading can affect the results. Sitting quietly for about five minutes prior to having your blood pressure taken may give you a more realistic reading.
The goal is to get an accurate picture of your circulatory health. If your blood pressure is truly high, appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Q: At what age does high blood pressure occur?
A: Hypertension can occur at any age, even among very young children and babies. Although the tendency can be inherited, overweight children are more likely than thinner children to have hypertension.
Q: Are drugs the only way to control blood pressure?
A: Maybe, but lifestyle and diet modifications can help:
>> If you smoke, quit.
>> Become active.
>> Stay or get within a normal weight range.
>> Find ways to decrease stress in your life.
Also, these dietary changes have been shown to help control or even lower high blood pressure:
>> Eat a diet moderate in fat and include omega-3 fatty acids. Include fish twice a week.
>> Increase your calcium intake. Good sources include milk products, calcium-set tofu and calcium-fortified foods.
>> Increase your dietary magnesium. Good sources include whole grains, green leafy vegetables, legumes and nuts.
>> Increase your dietary potassium. Good sources include legumes, bananas, greens and milk.
>> Lower salt intake if you are salt sensitive.
>> Drink alcohol moderately.
Also, because many prescription drugs may affect nutrient needs, always check with your physician and pharmacist when taking blood pressure-lowering drugs.
Q: Do I have to go to a doctor to have my blood pressure measured?
A: No. Fire stations measure blood pressure as a public service. Just make sure not to go during lunch (noon to 12:45 p.m.) or dinner (5 to 5:45 p.m.).
Health Events
Alan Titchenal, Ph.D., C.N.S., is a sports nutritionist in the
Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Science,
University of Hawaii-Manoa.Joannie Dobbs, Ph.D., C.N.S., is a food and nutrition consultant
and owner of Exploring New Concepts, a nutritional consulting firm.
She is also responsible for the nutritional analyses
indicated by an asterisk in this section.