by Greg Mcmorrow

Created on: April 01, 2008   Last Updated: May 13, 2008

In their hit song "Under Pressure" David Bowie and Queen concluded that it might be possible to gain "one more chance" by taking better care of themselves. These doctors of rock may not have realized it but this is also an effective way of combating hypertension and high blood pressure.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

There is no single cause of high blood pressure. Some are prone to it based upon their genetics, while most people develop it as the result of lifestyle choices. Be it smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, or old age, there are many sources for high blood pressure.

What Are Its Symptoms?

The most common way people learn that they have hypertension is a visit to the doctor for another reason. Patients may not notice any symptoms early on. As their condition advances however, the symptoms include headaches, chest pain and even heart failure! The silent nature of hypertension allows serious illness to develop over a long period of time, which only makes it harder to deal with once it is discovered. Illnesses associated with hypertension include:

Heart Disease
Kidney Disease
Erectile Dysfunction
Hardening of the Arteries
Stroke

How Do I Know If I Am At Risk?

A blood pressure reading is comprised of two pressure rates: 1) the systolic rate or the pressure created when the heart pumps; 2) the diastolic rate or the pressure while the heart is at rest. The reading is displayed as a fraction with the systolic rate listed "over" the diastolic (e.g. "120 over "75").

Patients are categorized into four groups:

Normal 120 Over 80 or less
Warning 120-139 Over 80-89 or more
Stage 1 Hypertension 140-159 Over 90-99 or more
Stage 2 Hypertension 160 or more Over 100 or more

Stage 2 patients are obviously at most risk but stage 1 patients should also take their condition seriously.

Ok, I'm Not "Normal", What Can I Do About It?

Obviously, you should consult your doctor. Beyond that, to borrow a line from Bowie & Queen, there is a great deal you can do by "changing the way you take care of yourself." If you follow these four steps, you can maximize your chances and even return yourself to "normal".

If you smoke, stop now. Do whatever it takes to quit once and forever.

Lose Weight. When you lose weight, you lose things that make your body heavier: You have less blood to pump; less retained water in your body to remove and that means you will have lower blood pressure!

Everyone agrees that losing weight is a good idea, but how can you do it?
o Exercise More
o Eat Right
o Limit Alcohol

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