Untreated hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: May 11 2009
Q: My average reading over the past 2 years has been 152/74 with pulse rate of 49. I try to follow a heart-healty diet. I take no drugs (except baby asprin daily). Is this adequate? My age is 73, height 5′10″, weight 168 lbs. I walk briskly 2 miles daily. My parents and grandparents all died of coronary disease between the ages of 58 and 76.
A: Sometimes a healthy life style isn’t enough to prevent and control high blood pressure. By your measurements, you have systolic hypertension. Left untreated, this increases your chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Your parents and grandparents are telling you to seek treatment.
Tags: baby asprin, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, coronary disease, healthy life style, heart attack, heart healty diet, high blood pressure, parents and grandparents, systolic hypertension, untreated hypertensionLowering your systolic number
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 19 2007
Q: I have high isolated systolic BP and my diastolic is normal. Why is systolic BP more important? Would using RESPeRATE be harmful for this condition? What’s a good way to get your systolic number lower?
A: Both systolic and diastolic high blood pressure readings are important. In recent years, doctors have come to understand that systolic hypertension (high top number with normal lower number) is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The treatment of systolic hypertension is the same as for combined systolic/diastolic hypertension. The RESPeRATE has been shown in clinical studies to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. It certainly has a place in a treatment plan for hypertension. The treatment plan for an individual is best determined by their physician.
Tags: cardiovascular disease, diastolic, Isolated Hypertension, RESPeRATE, systolic hypertension
