Category: Internal Medicine

The Physiology of High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure readings are notated as the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure number is the highest pressure reading when the heart is in a state of contraction. The diastolic pressure number is the highest pressure reading when the heart is in a state of relaxation. So, the typical normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 (measured in millimeters of mercury). This is a standard normal value, but some people have slightly lower readings and some have slightly higher readings, but these are still normal blood pressure readings.

The physiology of blood pressure is a little more complex. Blood pressure is determined by a relationship of two independent things. The first thing is the cardiac output which is the amount of blood volume that the heart pumps in a minute of time. The second thing is the peripheral vascular resistance which is determined by the internal blood vessel diameter, the length of the blood vessel, and the viscosity of the blood. All of these things combined together account for the levels of pressure in the blood vessels. When you consider just how high the pressure can actually get, you understand the amount of damage that can be done to surrounding tissues. Now, this damage doesn’t happen right away, but sustained high levels of blood pressure will do damage over time.

Many things can control why blood pressure levels can be high or low such as genetic factors, endocrine factors, and other disease processes such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes.

In people who have high blood pressure, the increased force of blood flow from the heart on the artery walls may cause them to develop thicker, stronger structures. This is why so many different blood pressure medications exist as there are many different targets that can be approached to try to lower blood pressure. Medications can act directly at the blood vessel level, at the level of the kidney, at the level of the heart, or even at the level of the central nervous system. Gaining some understanding of the physiologic aspects of blood pressure can make it understandable that blood pressure is a dynamic and complex concept

 

The Way To Use Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors

Automatic blood pressure monitors are excellent devices to keep track of your blood pressure. They are easy to use, they allow the measurement of blood pressure to be in your control, and they provide fast readings. If you are someone that has high blood pressure and you need to know if your measurements are high or if your medication is helping to control your levels, these devices are a must.

There are a few things you should understand when you use these devices. The best way to utilize their function is to record blood pressure measurements at multiple times during the day. This way you can determine what your average blood pressure is. When you get a high blood pressure reading, don’t panic. What you need to do is sit down and relax and rest. Then, repeat the measurement in about 15 minutes. Most often, your repeat measurement will be lower. If you have subsequent high measurements, it’s best to contact your physician to ask them what you should do. If you are on medication prescribed by a physician, you will probably need to discuss your medication with your doctor.

The point to remember is that one high blood pressure reading is simply a number. So, to be able to use data that is accurate and actually means something, you must have multiple readings of your blood pressure. High blood pressure does its damage on the body when it is a sustained condition. High blood pressure over a prolonged period of time is harmful to the body. When this occurs, you have the most risk of developing complications such as kidney damage (chronic kidney disease) and brain damage (stroke).

One of the most important things to do is to make sure that you have the correct blood pressure cuff size when you measure your blood pressure. An incorrect size will give incorrect readings and won’t be helpful in treating your condition correctly. The other way to make sure that you get an accurate reading is to make sure that you are seated in a proper sitting posture. Sit upright on a couch or chair with both feet flat on the floor under you.

Automatic blood pressure devices are an excellent tool for you as someone with high blood pressure, and they will help your doctor treat your condition properly if used correctly.

 

Does Caffeine Affect Your Blood Pressure

Caffeine is a stimulant found in more than 100 plants that stimulates the central nervous system by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain and influencing neural activity via sympathetic nerve circuits. Caffeine is naturally found in coffee, tea, and other beverages. Many people drink these substances to help them stay awake and energized for long periods of time. Some people have been concerned that caffeine can cause a person to develop high blood pressure. This is a natural question since it is a stimulant substance, but instead of “causing” high blood pressure, it actually exacerbates high blood pressure.

Caffeine can cause elevations in blood pressure, however, this is usually temporary. Yet, the regular intake of caffeine in someone who has known high blood pressure can cause that person to have sustained levels of high blood pressure. It depends on how much caffeine the person consumes during the day. Caffeine can increase blood pressure to a certain degree after prolonged use. One professional study suggests that people who consume caffeine may have higher than average blood pressure. However, this particular study was limited and its results are not universally accepted. It appears that most caffeine intake studies have been unable to show alterations in blood pressure in those who drink small amounts of coffee or tea. Caffeinated drinks can be part of a healthy lifestyle, however, the amount consumed should be in moderation.

High blood pressure does the real damage when it is sustained at a high level over time. Small spikes in blood pressure readings don’t tell much about a person’s average blood pressure or mean blood pressure. A person can have a couple of high blood pressure readings during the day, however, during the rest of the day their blood pressure readings are normal. A visit to a certain location, such as a doctor’s office, can induce an episode of high blood pressure – the so-named “white coat syndrome” – yet, as soon as the individual leaves the office, their blood pressure goes back to normal.

With regards to caffeine consumption, it’s best to find out what your blood pressure readings are throughout the day, especially if you consume large amounts of caffeine. Certain drinks have much higher levels of caffeine, such as energy drinks, some brands of coffee, and some particular soft drinks. Try to pay attention to this part of your diet and keep track of your caffeine level to make sure that you don’t overdo it. Caffeine in moderation tends to be the best methodology.

 

Foods And Additives That Can Increase Your Blood Pressure

When looking to achieve good blood pressure control, one of the most obvious things to monitor closely is what you consume. One of the most common ways to protect against hypertension is by limiting your intake of salt, which can have a detrimental effect on blood pressure. The body requires sodium, but this does not mean that one should take in a high amount of the mineral. An excess of sodium can increase blood pressure dramatically.

Many foods can contribute to high blood pressure such as fatty foods, fried foods, processed foods. With these foods, the main reason that they are more dangerous to your blood pressure is that the salt content is extremely high. Many foods are high in sodium so you need to be very careful of what you eat. At least a small amount of sodium is found in almost every food, so you must read the nutrition labels on everything. Luckily the sodium content is labeled on most food items, which makes it much easier to keep track and buy smart. Even if a food doesn’t have a label, you can often search for the item online with a nutrition app.

If you are a salt lover and find it difficult to cut back on your consumption, you will be happy to know that there are alternative additives that can be used while keeping your hypertension under control. Different kinds of salt substitutes are available such as those that contain calcium or potassium. These are especially great for vegetarians and vegans who have a difficult time getting enough calcium in their diet. It is important to consult your physician to make sure that these substitutes are safe for you to use. For example, patients with kidney disease will not be able to use these supplements.

These are just a few examples of foods and additives that can cause increases to your blood pressure. Remember to talk with your physician about the best way to control any complications related to hypertension.

 

An Effective Method to Manage High Blood Pressure

The best time to try to manage high blood pressure is immediately after you become aware that you have the problem. This will allow you to be more proactive in your management before you have any complications of the condition. One of the ways to be proactive is by exercising. If you exercise from a young age forward, you can most likely prevent high blood pressure and its complications. Obviously, if you have complications of high blood pressure such as heart disease or kidney disease, exercise will be a more difficult task.

When you exercise, you’ll want to achieve an increase your heart rate and work multiple muscles in your body. Of course, a significant benefit of exercising will be weight loss. Weight loss will act in concert with exercise to help improve your blood pressure. A good exercise routine is key, and it’s best to consult a fitness and nutritional expert to create the kind of regimen that works best for you.

Part of establishing a good routine is developing an exercise method you’ll be able to use continually in the future. It needs to become a habit for you. You don’t want to approach exercise as a temporary thing. The minute you stop, you’ll begin gaining weight again and impede your progress. Establish your routine and keep it up and maintain your momentum.

Exercise that increases your heart rate for a reasonable length of time is very good for the heart. Using weights to build muscle is also extremely useful. Other activities that you can add include hiking, biking, swimming, elliptical training, and yoga. Be sure to consult your physician to make sure that you are able to perform the type of exercise that interests you.

 

What to Know About Diuretics (Water Pills)

Many people are prescribed medication to treat high blood pressure. One type of medication that is often prescribed is the diuretic, which is sometimes referred to as a “water pill”. Diuretics are used to help rid the body of excess fluids and water weight. They work at the level of the kidney to increase the amount of urine that is excreted from the body each day. Additionally, diuretics can help increase overall metabolism which helps burn fat more efficiently.

The way a diuretic works is by decreasing the reuptake of sodium in the kidney tubules. This alteration in sodium concentration leads to less reabsorption of fluid and increased urination which rids the body of excess fluid. This is a very effective method for decreasing blood pressure. Some common diuretic prescription drugs are Spironolactone, Furosemide, and Hydrochlorothiazide.

When you take diuretics, you need to watch out for a few potential problems. Due to the mechanism of action at the level of the kidney, diuretics can also cause you to lose large amounts of potassium. Potassium is very important in the aid of the electrical signals coordinating the heart and its function. It also helps muscles to contract properly. Low potassium can cause significant muscle weakness and can possibly cause heart rhythm abnormalities. If you take diuretics, your physician will want to periodically check your electrolyte levels in your blood to make sure that your sodium and potassium levels remain normal. Diuretics can also have a dehydrating effect and can lead to chronic kidney disease. That’s why your doctor will also want to do periodic blood work to check your kidney function.

In conclusion, diuretics are very good medications and are very useful in the treatment of conditions like high blood pressure. It is important that they are used in close consultation with a physician in order to monitor their use and effectiveness.

 

How High Blood Pressure Affects The Kidneys

High blood pressure can cause significant damage to your kidneys. How does high blood pressure affect the kidneys? Sustained high blood pressure will cause trauma to the small vessels in the kidneys making it more and more difficult for them to perform normal filtration of the blood. The reason the kidneys break down is because of this damage to the blood vessels inside the kidneys. When the vessels are damaged, they can’t get blood containing oxygen to the areas of the kidney that perform the key functions of the filtering system. The kidneys become swollen and congested and lose all of their efficiency in removing toxins and excess fluid. This build-up of toxins can lead to multiple complications.

One of the toxins that builds up in the setting of kidney disease is urea. Urea comes from the breakdown of protein in your diet, and it is ultimately excreted in the urine. If your kidneys are damaged, they cannot remove urea from the body. Once this happens, you develop a build-up of urea and your body can become toxic with this excess amount of urea. This condition is called uremia. If this toxicity occurs, it can lead to fluid in the lungs, decreased brain function, or heart failure.

Another toxin that can build up when someone has kidney failure from the effects of uncontrolled high blood pressure is potassium. Potassium is a key ingredient in cellular energy production.  When your kidneys are damaged, potassium levels can become too high, and if untreated, can lead to cardiac arrest and even death. A critically high level of potassium in this setting will most likely need to be treated with emergent dialysis.

Additional toxins that can build up in the kidneys include uric acid, phosphorus, and free radical toxins. Similar to the others mentioned above, these toxins build up due to the inability of the kidney to remove them from the body. Some of these acids can even lead to further kidney damage making the overall condition worse. The common cause for all of these issues is uncontrolled high blood pressure. With proper blood pressure control, kidney function can be preserved.

 

How High Blood Pressure Affects The Heart

High blood pressure can have multiple effects on the body over time. It will cause issues such as congestion around organs, hyperviscosity and increased likelihood of blood clots, and damage to blood vessels in key areas of the body. When blood flow is impeded by narrowing of the arteries, there will be decreased flow to vital organs and organ damage.

High blood pressure has many long-term effects on the body itself, and they are all related to circulation issues. When blood flows under increased pressure, it can cause damage to the blood vessels which leads to narrowing. There is also the potential of developing atherosclerosis which can cause further damage to the vessels.

One of the organs that can be damaged by high blood pressure is the heart. The heart is your main organ that pumps blood through the body, and sustained high blood pressure is not good for the heart.  Some of the effects of high blood pressure on the heart are coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction(heart attack), cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure.

High blood pressure causes an increased workload on the heart as it pumps blood out to the body. If you think of the heart as a muscle, you can imagine that an overworked muscle can become damaged over time. One of the complications is cardiomyopathy which is a weakening of the muscles of the heart. Over time, the weakened heart will lose its ability to pump blood effectively, and thus will not be able to meet the demands of the body in maintaining normal homeostasis.

As the heart works harder, it requires more oxygen to keep working which means that it needs more blood flow. An inefficient heart is not able to meet the demands of the body, but it also cannot meet its own demands. This combination leads to congestive heart failure in which an inefficient heart struggles to meet the oxygen demands of the rest of the body.

The maintenance of normal blood pressure during your entire lifetime is one of the keys to prevent this difficult disease from occurring.

 

How High Blood Pressure Affects The Brain

One of the most common reasons that people visit the doctor is to make sure they’re not having a stroke or another serious neurological condition. But what if you were able to prevent these things by taking care of your blood pressure? High blood pressure can have detrimental effects on the brain, and it’s important to do all that you can to reverse this trend.

According to a recent study published in the journal Hypertension by Drs. Eric B. Larson and Christopher J. Bundy, high blood pressure can lead to a reduction in brain volume and cognitive function over time. In the study, Drs. Larson and Bundy used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to demonstrate that people with high blood pressure had differences in hippocampal volume compared with people with normal blood pressure, as well as reduced memory function. These results come from 431 participants who were between the ages of 24 and 82 years old, taking part in either a home monitoring program or through doctor visits at the Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in California. The participants had their blood pressure measured every two weeks for an average of about seven years.

The results of the study show that the higher the blood pressure of a person, the lower their hippocampal volume. This means that people with high blood pressure had less brain area for storing memories, as well as less control over memory functions such as new learning and recall. The findings are very important because they are the first time that researchers have been able to link blood pressure to changes in brain structure over time. More research needs to be done in order to determine exactly how high blood pressure leads to reduced cognitive function as well as what can be done about it.

One of the most common causes of death is stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, which usually results in brain damage or death. High blood pressure increases your likelihood of having a stroke because it restricts blood flow through arteries and veins, specifically arteries. Sustained high blood pressure over time will restrict oxygenated blood flow to your brain, which can kill cells over time. This chronic ongoing loss of brain cells secondary to high blood pressure is certainly an undesirable outcome. High blood pressure control from an early age onward is what will prevent this process.

 

How A Doctor Knows Your High Blood Pressure Is Affecting Your Heart

Here’s a possible scenario. You go to visit your doctor for a routine check-up, but you haven’t seen your doctor for a couple of years. The last time you had a doctor’s visit, you were doing fairly well. You have diabetes and high blood pressure, but you were controlling your blood glucose well with your medication, and your blood pressure numbers while on medication were also looking good. You missed your next couple of appointments due to unforeseen circumstances and have finally made it to see your doctor again. When you check-in, they measure your blood pressure, and it is very high 179/95. You had no idea that your blood pressure was this high.

Well, your doctor now needs to do some checking and evaluate you more closely. One of the concerns of your doctor will be the condition of your heart health. So, what does your doctor do, and how does the doctor know if your heart health is declining? Here are some ways they can make this determination.

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will look for certain signs of hypertensive heart disease. When they examine you, they will look for signs of extra fluid and swelling in your legs and other areas of your body. They will check your weight to see if you have gained any additional kilograms. The doctor will listen to your heart and lungs to determine if any abnormal sounds are present. You could have an irregular heartbeat or an extra sound like a murmur. Your lungs may sound like you have congestion or extra fluid. They will likely want to perform an EKG to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart for abnormalities. You will also probably get a chest x-ray to see the status of the lungs as well as measure the heart size.

If they identify any abnormalities, they may look to get an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) to identify how well the heart is functioning. They may even want to perform a stress test of the heart to determine how the heart’s blood flow is affected by increased activity.

With this arsenal of examination and testing, the doctor has many tools to completely evaluate your heart and determine how to manage any problems. It turns out that it was very good that you didn’t miss another appointment.

 

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