High blood pressure ... and rising !

[Doc Alan]

It’s over a year since I reviewed this topic (http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/32184-Blood-pressure-we-ALL-have-it-!?highlight=blood+pressure ), so what’s new ?
• High blood pressure ( hypertension ) is still the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease ( heart attacks / failure, and strokes ). Worldwide, it affects about a billion people ( 20% to 50% of adults, depending on nationality and age ) and causes – directly or indirectly - over 7 million deaths / year.
• Although there ARE effective treatments if correctly diagnosed, control rates are below 10% worldwide ( about 90% USA and even higher in Cuba ; 30% England ; less than 20% Philippines ).
• Prevalence ( frequency ) is static in “ developed “ countries – about 30% of adults in England. Almost three-quarters of people with hypertension live in developing countries, where prevalence is increasing – now thought to be about 20% in Philippines.
• Factors which can’t be modified - but increase / are associated with hypertension - include age, genetics, family history, ethnic origin, dark skin colour and low birthweight.
• Environmental / lifestyle factors appear to be more important. These include diet ( especially too much salt ), obesity and lack of exercise, excess alcohol, smoking, stress, and urban living. Nutrition has changed in the past 40 years in countries such as the Philippines, with more processed food and the fast-food industry, and increased calories, salt, sugar and fat. Migration from rural to urban areas is correlated with more hypertension.
• At least two thirds of diabetic patients have hypertension ( several reasons ) ; a small proportion of hypertensives have other treatable causes such as kidney and endocrine diseases.
• It usually has no symptoms, so isn’t diagnosed unless / until blood pressure is measured ( accurately, more than once ). This doesn’t have to be done by a doctor in a clinic – it can be, and increasingly is in countries like UK, measured at home. Relatively few Filipinos are aware of the condition. There need to be national guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, using nurses, who are more plentiful, and cheaper, than doctors. Instead of opposing the Reproductive Health Bill, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference should consider supporting blood pressure measurement ( by nurses ) of all adults at the end of church services - thus covering most of the population !
• There are effective drugs for treating hypertension – paid for in the UK by NHS through taxation, and the patients themselves – if they can afford it – in the Philippines ( where the drugs MAY be counterfeit and not quality-controlled, if not actually harmful ).
• Drugs may not be needed if the hypertension is mild and diabetes not present ( or controlled ). Lifestyle changes may be all that is necessary – less alcohol, salt, and tobacco, with loss of weight / increased exercise may be enough, but not easy to achieve.
• This is one more condition which is less likely with a healthy lifestyle, wherever you live.

[lastlid]

Shiftwork?

"Shift workers are slightly more at risk of having a heart attack or stroke than day workers, research suggests.

An analysis of studies involving more than 2m workers in the British Medical Journal said shift work can disrupt the body clock and have an adverse effect on lifestyle.

It has previously been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.

Limiting night shifts would help workers cope, experts said."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18996082

[joebloggs]

:cwm24: this effects me, a tablet a day for the rest of my life :NoNo:

[mickcant]

Thanks for reminding us on the importance of control Doc:xxgrinning--00xx3:

I am on a 10mg tablet of Lisinopril per day, and have reduced my salt intake a lot.
Mick.:)

[Steve.r]

Thanks Alan.

What amazes me it the fact that drugs in the Philippines are not controlled or quality tested... you could be taking anything!!!

[rusty]

I am on a 10mg tablet of Lisinopril per day, and have reduced my salt intake a lot.
Mick.:)

Same tablets as me Mick, I have reduced my salt and caffine intake.

I have been on them for a year and have an appointment back at the doctors soon to see if the blood pressure is better now?

[mickcant]

Same tablets as me Mick, I have reduced my salt and caffine intake.

I have been on them for a year and have an appointment back at the doctors soon to see if the blood pressure is better now?

Coffee would be harder for me to cut down on!!!!!
Mick:)

[lordna]

Coffee would be harder for me to cut down on!!!!!
Mick:)

Try Barleycup... i drink this in preference to coffee. .......and Rooibos tea instead of normal tea.

[joebloggs]

Thanks for reminding us on the importance of control Doc:xxgrinning--00xx3:

I am on a 10mg tablet of Lisinopril per day, and have reduced my salt intake a lot.
Mick.:)

i'm on 10mg a day to, at least my doc gives me 60 days worth each time instead if 30 :rolleyes:

[joebloggs]

Thanks Alan.

What amazes me it the fact that drugs in the Philippines are not controlled or quality tested... you could be taking anything!!!

I've seen a tv program and read on the net that even NHS trusts have bought fake drugs :NoNo:, its becoming a serious problem as some drugs are so expensive to buy and pretty easy for :censored: to produce.

[Terpe]

I'm on 3 tablets per day:-
Amlodipine
Atenolol
Perindopril

Have been taking those since 2003.
I have a review with my doc annually including blood tests too.

Fortunately I don't have to pay :D
I used to buy a NHS annual card and that saved me quite a few quid. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Probably there are thousand of people walking around out there with high blood pressure and don't even know it. :yikes:

[rusty]

Coffee would be harder for me to cut down on!!!!!
Mick:)

I just swapped to de-caff for some of my tea and coffee but still need my caffine boost at the start of the day. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[rusty]

Probably there are thousand of people walking around out there with high blood pressure and don't even know it. :yikes:

I only found out when we moved house and changed doctors, they gave me a quick check up then noticed I had high blood pressure. :yikes:

[les_taxi]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2119141/How-glass-beetroot-juice-lower-blood-pressure.html
It lowered mine:)

[joebloggs]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2119141/How-glass-beetroot-juice-lower-blood-pressure.html
It lowered mine:)

whats it taste like Les :Erm: cant see it tasting good :NoNo:

[les_taxi]

It's fine it has some apple juice in it to take the earthy taste away,I just gulp down a smalll glass and its done
I was able to come off my one a day tablet:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[lastlid]

Beetroot. Lovely.

[Doc Alan]

We all have blood pressure, and the decision at what level it might be beneficial to treat is a clinical one, depending on correct diagnosis and general health, for example whether or not diabetes is present. Awareness and then detection are the first problems, greater in the Philippines than UK for a condition usually having no symptoms. Screening should be at least every 5 years.
The alarmingly low control rates even when hypertension is diagnosed result from inadequate treatment. There are several groups of drugs with good evidence to show they work, but they need to be checked for quality. Especially in Africa and Asia, many patients are given counterfeit drugs, which are at the very least less efficient, and may be dangerous. Similarly herbal remedies may delay proper control with serious health consequences.
It’s difficult to know the true extent of counterfeit drug use in the Philippines, as elsewhere. The main ones are anti-hypertensives, but also antibiotics, and “Viagra”-type drugs. There is a Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs ( Republic Act 8203 ) whereby drug outlets could face sanctions including imprisonment – if detected and reported. This is not easy, especially if the internet is the source.
“ Shift workers “ may well suffer increased adverse effects of hypertension, along with other “ lifestyle choices “ such as urbanisation – not necessarily easy to remedy. Reduced salt intake is another “ choice “ not that easy to achieve ( several “ low salt foods “ have had to be removed from supermarket shelves as they don’t sell ). Despite the interest in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, most people don’t exercise enough and there’s an increasing prevalence of obesity in UK, Philippines, and elsewhere.
The right treatment for established hypertension is important, but prevention is even more vital – and has so far not been achieved.

[lastlid]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2119141/How-glass-beetroot-juice-lower-blood-pressure.html
It lowered mine:)

Where do you buy beetroot juice from, Les? Or do you make your own from the raw beetroot?

I often have beetroot with any salad that I have.

[les_taxi]

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=903&prodid=992

[andy222]

ukba

[lordna]

ukba

That put a few peoples blood pressure up!

[raynaputi]

ukba

EXACTLY!!! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I had a low BP when I was still a student..so I ate fatty foods to compensate for that...hahaha :icon_lol: JUST KIDDING!!! :D

[lastlid]

EXACTLY!!! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I had a low BP when I was still a student..so I ate fatty foods to compensate for that...hahaha :icon_lol: JUST KIDDING!!! :D

Same here. My wife tends towards low blood pressure so I told her to eat more doughnuts, fried foods, more salt etc etc. :icon_lol:

[Terpe]

Same here. My wife tends towards low blood pressure so I told her to eat more doughnuts, fried foods, more salt etc etc. :icon_lol:

My wife too tends towards low blood pressure :Erm:

[lastlid]

And now I will have to tell my wife to drink less beetroot juice....:D

[lastlid]

Within the advert for beetroot juice.....

Disclaimers:
Drinking beetroot juice may turn your urine pink :omg:

[les_taxi]

Within the advert for beetroot juice.....

Disclaimers:
Drinking beetroot juice may turn your urine pink :omg:

I was going to let you find that out for yourself :yikes::icon_lol:

[lastlid]

I was going to let you find that out for yourself :yikes::icon_lol:

:icon_lol:

[Doc Alan]

Several points are raised in response to my review, thank you for your interest :xxgrinning--00xx3: !
• For those already diagnosed with hypertension, treatment with drugs which are proven to be reliable is sensible, together with awareness and attempts to lead a healthier lifestyle.
• UKBA – undoubtedly psychological stress, whatever the cause, is a lifestyle factor which contributes to hypertension – I fully understand how difficult it is to reduce.
• Beetroot – the “ Mail Online “ didn’t have space to mention that the studies quoted were on 18 volunteers ( dose of beetroot ) and 14 volunteers ( bread with added beetroot ) – all males with normal blood pressure to start with. The “ Mail “ also didn’t say that the research workers themselves remind us of the benefits to health of eating adequate amounts of fruit and vegetables, one of which is preventing hypertension developing in the first place ( http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8514141&fulltextType=RA&fileId=S0007114512000190 ).
• Low blood pressure ( hypotension ) – the most vital “ take home message “ from my thread is that we ALL have blood pressure, and maintaining it at desirable levels for each individual is the key ! 130/80 is desirable for most adults, 140/90 and above may need treatment, and less than 90/60 is “ low “. There is no need – or benefit – to reduce a hypertensive’s blood pressure too far. As with hypertension, there may be no symptoms with hypotension, and generally it’s nothing to worry about, especially in young adults. It’s certainly not an indication to deliberately adopt an unhealthy diet – even adding salt should only be done on medical advice, if there are symptoms or an obvious cause.
• Hypertension is now so common, and increasing – especially in countries like the Philippines – with underdiagnosis, poor or no treatment control, and lethal consequences – that respected medical journals like “ The Lancet “ almost despair of prevention ( http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)61310-5/fulltext ).
• The least members can do is take it seriously, have an accurate blood pressure check, and encourage friends / loved ones in the Philippines to do the same.

[Steve.r]

A friend I work with has one on those automatic testers, you know the ones, you strap it around your wrist and it pumps up with a little motor. We tested all of us in the office and mine came out as 120/80, we did it a couple of times to get an average, and it was the same each time. We tried a guy who has diabetes and his was really high. I guess mine is ok for someone of my age. I try to eat healthy, although I am not as fit as I could be.
So what are the main signs of high or low pressure? can you tell by just looking at someone?

[joebloggs]

i dont think you can tell by looking at anyone unless they are overweight and I believe the risks increase, and im sure the chances increase with age :Erm:

couple of years ago, i went for an afternoon nap :rolleyes:. 3o mins later i woke up thought little joe was sitting on me, couldn't breathe or hardly move, took me 10mins to be able to get down the stairs. misses rushed me to A&E. by that time i felt ok, they did some tests, next day let me go, days later i went to my GP, can't remember why, told her i was in hospital, she took my BP was over 200/xxx - cant remember what xxx was, and told me i would have to take meds for the rest of my life.

up til then i had hardly ever been ill, never needed to go to the doc...

[Terpe]

First I new was when having an induction at the gym and they took my BP
They did it 3 times just because they couldn't believe the result.
I remember it was 185/100 or 185/95 something like that. Suggested I should visit my GP before they could allow my membership.

Been taking medication ever since.
This morning I went to my GP for blood tests and BP check.
BP was 138/80

I have a BP machine at home (from Boots) and check about once every couple of weeks and it's pretty stable.

I really don't think you see any indications of high bood pressure just by looking at someone.

Last month we sent some BP m/c's to Philippines as donation to the hospital. Seems most are short on this.

[joebloggs]

Actor Michael Clarke Duncan, the death row inmate in 'The Green Mile', dies after heart failure

54yrs old :NoNo:

http://blog.syracuse.com/entertainment/2012/09/actor_michael_clarke_duncan_th.html

[lastlid]

I was going to let you find that out for yourself :yikes::icon_lol:

Just had a beetroot juice, followed by a carrot juice, then a galia melon juice and a kiwi fruit juice......:icon_lol: What next?

[Terpe]

Just had a beetroot juice, followed by a carrot juice, then a galia melon juice and a kiwi fruit juice......:icon_lol: What next?

Probably a few unscheduled visits to the CR :yikes:

:D

[Doc Alan]

Steve.r : “ So what are the main signs of high or low pressure? can you tell by just looking at someone? “
• Hypertension usually has no symptoms or signs – which is the reason so many are unaware, and unmotivated to check their blood pressure. “ If it ain’t broke don’t fix it “ doesn’t apply here ! Symptoms – if present – include headache ( no more common than in the general population ), dizziness and problems with vision ( both also non-specific ). Likewise, no signs are diagnostic, although age alone increases the chances – at 65, individuals have a 90% chance of developing hypertension by 80 ( and if they’re obese they have decreased chance, for several reasons including hypertension, of reaching 80 ).
• Hypotension should also have no symptoms, only in that case it’s a reassuring sign suggesting “ naturally low blood pressure “, not requiring treatment. Symptoms – if present – include dizziness ( especially if standing up suddenly ), and there may be other factors such as age, time of day, temperature, some medicines or illnesses.
• Accurate blood pressure measurement is vital ! Repeated measurements – at least twice – are helpful to confirm true blood pressure before attempting to treat by any method(s). “ White-coat “ hypertension – raised blood pressure in the doctor’s clinic - is well known. Some will remember " Carry on Doctor ", where Barbara Windsor, as Nurse Sandra May, raises Sid James's blood pressure ! If hypertension seems likely, “ ambulatory “ ( walking ) or home blood pressure monitoring devices are better correlated with cardiovascular outcome.

[les_taxi]

Just had a beetroot juice, followed by a carrot juice, then a galia melon juice and a kiwi fruit juice......:icon_lol: What next?
Wait til you poo watch the colour lol

[lastlid]

Wait til you poo watch the colour lol

Probably like after eating black pudding? :icon_lol:

[lastlid]

I also have a theory that our blood pressure goes up when our surroundings are hotter and we get hotter. Don't know if it is true or not?

[Steve.r]

Thanks Alan, almost a silent killer. :Erm: scary

[Terpe]

I also have a theory that our blood pressure goes up when our surroundings are hotter and we get hotter. Don't know if it is true or not?

Oddly though when I'm in the Philippines my BP actually drops :Erm:
Can't explain, unless stress levels also affect BP

[lastlid]

Oddly though when I'm in the Philippines my BP actually drops :Erm:
Can't explain, unless stress levels also affect BP

You mean as soon as you hit terminal 1 your stress levels go down? :icon_lol:

Yes. Looking through some material on the net it seems that hot weather decreases blood pressure and cold weather increases it.

I was thinking of those people who on a hot day tend to have more prominent veins in their hands, for instance, suggesting a higher pressure.

[Doc Alan]

Blood pressure does vary naturally from day to day and in different situations – hence the need for accurate measurement, certainly before treatment is contemplated.
Generally it tends to rise when it’s cold and fall when it’s hot. Arteries constrict ( get narrower ) in cold and dilate ( get wider ) in heat, to maintain body temperature. These effects are temporary, just like other influences on blood pressure, like drinking coffee, physical activity, and stress – as long as they are not extreme or prolonged.
Extreme hot and cold temperatures affect the cardiovascular system, especially in the elderly and those already with risk factors such as hypertension, at least short term. Heatwaves increase cardiac deaths, once the body’s attempts to dissipate heat are overwhelmed. Sweating and dehydration can raise blood pressure, or ultimately decrease blood volume and increase heart rate, causing heart failure and fall in blood pressure. In the UK there are more heart attacks in winter. Exposure to cold without protection progressively increases the chances of a heart attack – due in part to constriction of blood vessels and increased tendency of the blood to clot.

[lastlid]

Blood pressure does vary naturally from day to day and in different situations – hence the need for accurate measurement, certainly before treatment is contemplated.
Generally it tends to rise when it’s cold and fall when it’s hot. Arteries constrict ( get narrower ) in cold and dilate ( get wider ) in heat, to maintain body temperature. These effects are temporary, just like other influences on blood pressure, like drinking coffee, physical activity, and stress – as long as they are not extreme or prolonged.
Extreme hot and cold temperatures affect the cardiovascular system, especially in the elderly and those already with risk factors such as hypertension, at least short term. Heatwaves increase cardiac deaths, once the body’s attempts to dissipate heat are overwhelmed. Sweating and dehydration can raise blood pressure, or ultimately decrease blood volume and increase heart rate, causing heart failure and fall in blood pressure. In the UK there are more heart attacks in winter. Exposure to cold without protection progressively increases the chances of a heart attack – due in part to constriction of blood vessels and increased tendency of the blood to clot.

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Okay. My wife's veins on the back of her hand dilate on warm / hot days though she doesn't have a lot of fat on her so I think it is more obvious.