The Family Guide to Naturopathic Medicine by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Format: epub

• PLAC Lp-PLA2: This enzyme is specific for inflammation in blood vessels.

• Saliva hormone tests for estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA, deficiencies of which promote inflammation

• Essential Fatty Acid Profiles

CHAPTER 25

Hypertension

O VERVIEW

THE number of people in the U.S. with hypertension or high blood pressure exceeds 62 million people or more than 20 percent of the population six years of age and older. Although blood pressure often increases with age, 2.8 million children between the ages of 6-17 have high blood pressure. Of the 62 million people with hypertension, 35 million or 56 percent do not even know they have it, due to lack of testing.

African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans and Mexican-Americans are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure than Caucasians. By age 65, nearly 50 percent of our population has hypertension.

Heredity is a factor. If high blood pressure runs in your family, you are at increased risk. Women who are pregnant or women taking oral contraceptives are also at an increased risk for high blood pressure and need more frequent monitoring.

Hypertension is one of many diseases common to Western countries. Studies reveal that people living in remote areas of less industrialized countries have virtually no primary hypertension and no increase in blood pressure with advanced age. As these individuals relocate to industrialized areas and assume a Western diet, they experience an increased incidence of hypertension.

C ONCERN

Health risks are associated with high blood pressure. Undiagnosed and or untreated hypertension can lead to serious health concerns such as arterial damage, kidney damage, heart disease, stroke and death.

C AUSE

Primary or essential hypertension occurs in 90-95 percent of people with hypertension. We do not yet clearly understand the cause. This diagnosis is made after your doctor has ruled out the possibility of secondary hypertension. Multiple factors lead to primary hypertension. They include caffeine consumption, lack of exercise and emotional stress.

Secondary hypertension occurs in about five to ten percent of individuals with hypertension. The typical causes are disorders of the thyroid, adrenal, kidney and nervous systems and anatomical irregularities of blood vessel formation. Your doctor can identify the source of the problem.

S YMPTOMS

Hypertension exists when the systolic or upper blood pressure reading exceeds 140 and/or the lower (diastolic) reading exceeds 90. An elevated reading must occur on at least two separate occasions when you are in a resting or relaxed state.

Hypertension is potentially a serious illness, yet its presence remains in deadly silence unless you have your blood pressure tested periodically. Usually no physical symptoms like headaches or dizziness alert you to the problem. Only the simple test of checking your blood pressure will identify this condition.

T REATMENT

Consult with a qualified health care provider to identify what type of hypertension you have. If your blood pressure is significantly elevated, prescription medications may be necessary to avoid a life-threatening situation.

Implement the suggestions that follow and take charge of your own health care. One or more of these suggestions may be all that you need to make a difference in your blood pressure. You may want to consult with a health care provider for further guidance.

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