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lulu

Posted Monday, February 08, 2010 3:44 PM

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Last Login: Today @ 12:27 PM
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High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure is the most common diagnosis in America. Prevalence increases with age. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC7) reports that greater than 50% of people 60-69 years of age and 75% of people 70 years of age and older have high blood pressure. It is estimated that 30% of adults are not aware of their high blood pressure and 40% are not on treatment. Healthy People 2010 reports that blood pressure control rates that have been tracked for 2 decades are still far below goals (less than 50%). It is well documented that uncontrolled blood pressure directly contributes to heart disease, nonfatal stroke, and end-stage kidney disease.
The Joint National Committee’s purpose is to gather scientific evidence that provides guidance for clinicians in efforts to prevent and effectively manage high blood pressure. JNC7 recommends that all men and women have their blood pressure measured every 2 years if their readings are normal. A new classification system defines normal as a reading less than 120/80 mmHg. A reading ranging from 120-139 over 80-89 mmHg is now classified as prehypertension. This change reflects the importance of identifying prehypertension and initiating strategies to decrease the progression to high blood pressure.
Risk factors for high blood pressure include obesity, excess sodium intake, inadequate physical activity, inadequate diet, and excess alcohol consumption. Although JNC7 does not list smoking tobacco as a risk factor, the document reports the association of cessation to an overall reduction in heart disease risk. Fortunately, these risk factors can be controlled through life-style modification. A weight loss of 10 lbs reduces or prevents high blood pressure in overweight persons. Sodium intake should not exceed 2.4 grams per day. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan promotes healthier eating habits by modifying fats and increasing fruits and vegetables. Some form of aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week is recommended. Alcohol intake should be limited to no more than 1 ounce of ethanol (two drinks per day for men) and no more than 0.5 ounces of ethanol (one drink per day for women). JNC7 defines one drink as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor.

Always,

Lulu

I may have RA but RA does not have ME!!!

Post #4316467

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Gramma Ellie

Posted Monday, February 08, 2010 5:10 PM

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My Goodness, Lulu, That surely did hit home with me. I've been fighting my steadily rising bp for the past year. Finally my doctor started me on drugs. First Atenolol, which lowered my heartbeat to somewhere in the 40s. Scratch that one. Then Lisinopril, which made my whole body ache like a huge fibro flare, plus a hacking cough. Finally I decided on my own to try a low salt diet (DASH diet) and a few supplements and biofeedback breathing exercises. Presto, in two weeks I dropped from 148/90 to 118/64. It's certainly worth a try if you think you might be salt-sensitive.

Post #4316521

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LEFTY IN LA

Posted Monday, February 08, 2010 5:45 PM

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VERY IMPORTANT...HIGH BP CAN CAUSE STROKES TOO...JUST ASK MY C.J. HE TRIED ALL KINDS OF MEDS AND DIDNT LIKE HOW HE FELT ON THEM AND DECIDED TO STOP ALL MEDS. WE TRIED LOW-NO SALT AND STILL HAD A MASSIVE STROKE. SO GUYS AND GALS GET YOUR BP CHECKED!!! I GUESS I NEED TO LISTEN TO MY OWN ADVICE TOO HUH????

BigGrin

God Bless all my RA Friends!

Post #4316548

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