Hypertension Frequently Asked Questions
Does hypertension affect sex life?
Many drugs used to treat high blood pressure - mainly diuretics and beta-blockers - have been linked to erectile disfunction. Some erection-friendly hypertension drugs are ACE-inhibitors, alpha-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
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How often do I need to measure my blood pressure?
The older a person gets, the more regularly hypertension should be tested for. Annual testing - at least - is recommended for people over 50 (recommended more frequently). If you suspect you suffer from hypertension, please consult with your doctor and follow his/her instructions.
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What is hypertension?
Hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure (the pressure of the blood in the main arteries). This is indicated by blood pressure readings above 140 mm Hg (systolic pressure) / 90 mm Hg (diastolic pressure), measured while at rest.
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What causes high blood pressure?
For the majority of people with high blood pressure, the cause of their condition remains unknown. Narrowing of the arteries, a greater than normal volume of blood, or a quicker or stronger heartbeat, cause increased pressure against the artery walls. The reason for this phenomenon is not clearly understood. Less than ten percent of cases of hypertension are caused by other medical problems or illnesses. This type of high blood pressure (secondary hypertension) is often temporary, and can be cured when the original medical problem is taken care of.
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Which risk factors contribute to hypertension?
Hypertension risk factors include high sodium (salt) intake and obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress and heavy drinking – all of which can be controlled. Some risk factors that cannot be changed are heredity (high blood pressure tends to run in families), racial background (individuals of African descent are more likely to suffer from hypertension than Caucasians), and gender (men are at greater risk until the age of 55, then the risk becomes similar for men and women. After the age of 75, women are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure). For both women and men, blood pressure tends to increase with age.
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How can high blood pressure be prevented?
You can help prevent high blood pressure by taking the following steps:
- Control your weight, or lose weight if you're overweight - losing even a few kilograms will help.
- Exercise regularly - 30 minutes a day for most days of the week is best, but studies show that even once a week can make a difference.
- Limit your daily intake of sodium to less than 2,400 mg (about 1 teaspoon of salt).
- Your diet should include more fruits and vegetables and low fat or non-fat dairy products, and limited amounts of saturated fat and total fat.
- Eat food that is rich in potassium - aim for more than 3,500 mg potassium per day.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. No more than one serving per day for women (e.g. one 12 oz. beer can or one glass of wine), and no more than two for men.
- Relaxation treatment: slow breathing exercise – see "Resperate"
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How can I check my blood pressure at home?
Some people have high blood pressure only when they visit their health care provider's office. This condition is called white coat hypertension. Your doctor may ask you to wear an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for 24 hours, in order to get an accurate picture of your blood pressure. You can also purchase a blood pressure measuring device. If you measure your blood pressure at home, keep a record of the numbers and take them with you each time you see your health care provider.
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I think I can tell when my blood pressure is high. Can it be?
Some people have symptoms which give them an early awareness of hypertension. The most well known symptoms are headache felt at the back of the head, dizziness, fatigue and ringing in the ears.
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Can salt increase blood pressure?
When you eat too much salt, your body holds extra water to "wash" the salt from your body. In some people, this might cause increased blood pressure. The added water also puts stress on your heart and blood vessels.
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What foods are high in sodium?
High sodium food consists of processed foods such as lunch meats, sausage, bacon, and ham, canned soups, bouillon, dried soup mixes, condiments (ketchup, soy sauce, salad dressings), frozen and boxed mixes for potatoes, rice, and pasta, snacks (pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, chips), pickled or marinated food. Note that sodium, in the form of MSG (monosodium glutamate) is often used in Chinese cooking.
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How much sodium can I consume per day?
The maximum recommended amount is up to 2,400 mgs (6 grams of regular salt) per day.
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What's CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 is a natural nutrient found in many foods and in human tissue, involved in energy metabolism at the cellular level. It has an effect on the total energy picture of the body and the functioning of organs, particularly the heart. CoQ10 increases the cardiac contractions without stressing the heart, because it also lowers blood pressure.
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Do hormones affect blood pressure in women?
Taking estrogens, either through birth control pills or through hormone therapy, can affect a woman's blood pressure. Age (35 and older), length of use, and smoking are all thought to increase the risk for high blood pressure in women on birth control pills. If you are using oral contraceptives, be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you already have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about another method of birth control. While not usual, women may experience a rise in blood pressure due to estrogens or hormone therapy.
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Can pregnancy increase blood pressure?
During pregnancy, some women develop high blood pressure - which returns to normal after the baby is born. Women who have high blood pressure before getting pregnant are at higher risk of developing preeclampsia, or toxemia, that can threaten the lives of both the mother and the foetus. If you are hypertensive, and considering pregnancy, talk to your doctor and make sure your pregnancy is well monitored.
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My doctor has already tried three different kinds of blood pressure medication. What's wrong?
Nothing's wrong! Blood pressure medications do not affect everyone in the same way, and dosages have to be individually adjusted. Doctors very often need to try a few alternatives before finding the best treatment.
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I have hypertension. Will I have to take medications all my life?
Yes, unless changes in your lifestyle significantly lower your readings. Never change your medication without the doctor's approval.
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I take hypertension medications. Do I have to worry about over-the-counter medicines? Are there any medications I should avoid?
You should tell your doctor about any medicine which you take regularly. People with blood pressure that is not adequately controlled should avoid diet-pills that suppress appetite, comprehensive cold remedies that include caffeine, decongestant pills and syrups, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen etc.)
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