| Hypertension
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is the medical name for High Blood Pressure. It
is not a 'disease' in itself but it is a significant risk factor in other diseases
including heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. In fact, the UK Government has
estimated that over one third of all deaths of people under 65 years of age are
attributable to hypertensive causes!
Blood Pressure: - Blood pressure is the force exerted
by the bloodstream on the artery walls. If you imagine a build up of water pressure in a
hose, you will have a pretty good image of the effects of high blood pressure on your
blood vessels.
The considered normal pressure is 120 Systolic
(ie. when
the heart pumps) and 80 diastolic (ie. when the heart rests). These figures rise when the
body is under physical or mental stress. For some people, the stress of visiting a doctor
causes their blood pressure to rise. In fact, it has been estimated that as many as one in
every five people diagnosed as suffering with hypertension are receiving unnecessary
medication because their blood pressure rises in this way.(1) If this is applicable in
your case, it is worthwhile buying your own sphygmomanometer to measure your own blood
pressure.
When people suffer high blood pressure, it is not uncommon
for them to experience giddiness, noises in the ear, headaches, digestive upsets, lethargy
and trembling.
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Known Causes
There are many factors which can contribute to high blood
pressure including stress, diet and lifestyle as well as kidney complaints, hormonal
disturbances and circulatory disorders. However, most cases of hypertension are called
'essential' meaning caused through diet and lifestyle and unrelated to a disease with
another part of your body.
(1) Los Angeles Times 18 July 1990
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