by E. Manning

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Believe or not, you could have hypertension. Most folks can't feel it or tell they have it. Hypertension creeps up on you. That is the biggest part of the problem. Having a yearly screening from your doctor will give you a clue and is highly advised to keep you healthy.

When pressure of the blood is high, the condition is called pulmonary hypertension. The walls of the smallest blood vessels can thicken and are less able to transfer oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the lungs causing oxygen levels in the blood to fall and continued narrowing of the pulmonary arteries. Over time, the heart becomes thickened and enlarged, leading to heart failure.

Untreated hypertension causes damage to blood vessels, vital organs and increases personal exposure to heart failure, heart attack, stroke, dementia, kidney issues and blindness.

Doctors have determined that the measure of healthy and normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. If you have levels that are elevated above normal blood pressure, the purchase of a home blood pressure monitor is a good idea. Monitors are inexpensive and can be easily purchased at a drug store.

Repeated and ongoing levels of stress are usually important factors in high blood pressure. A balanced lifestyle with exercise, massage and meditation can be helpful as overworking often results in hypertension. Reducing stress as much as possible and eating a healthy diet is important.

Using the DASH diet as a guideline is recommended with a high intake of fresh vegetables and fruits. The Mayo Clinic recommends regular exercise such as walking and a general increase in activity. Strength training is useful for improving muscle tone which in turn supports controlled blood pressure.

Close monitoring of salt intake is wise. Monitoring your weight and waistline is useful. Doctors have determined that men are overweight if the waist is greater than 40 inches. Women with waistlines greater than 35 inches are overweight.

Avoid late snacking and large servings at meals. Over-the-counter dietary supplements often cause an increase in blood pressure levels. Avoid softened water, excessive levels of caffeine, limit alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco products. Secondhand smoke is a factor in keeping hypertension well controlled.

Healthy choices are highly effective, yet only half of people with hypertension make an effort to make modest lifestyle changes. Medication through a primary care physician is the typical choice of hypertension patients.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a lung disorder in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery rises far above normal levels for no apparent reason. The first symptom is often fatigue or tiredness. Difficulty in breathing, dizziness and even fainting spells can occur followed by swelling in the ankles or legs, or bluish discoloration of the lips and skin. Chest pain often occurs. Any display or sudden onset of symptoms indicates a visit to a qualified doctor.

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