06th September, 2008
YOU ARE HERE: Home > Clinic > One Stop Health Advice > High Blood PressureView Printable Page

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE - HEALTH Advice

Message from acumedics sister site: www.chinalifeweb.com

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR HEART?

www.chinalifeweb.com

Note: - failed to load flash.



High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases your chance (or risk) for getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke. It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure.  Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. You can prevent and control high blood pressure by taking action.


Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure rises and falls during the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, it is called high blood pressure or hypertension.


Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers - the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). A consistent blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure, another term for hypertension.

Back to Top


What is systolic blood pressure?

Systolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart beats. It is shown as the top number in a blood pressure reading. High blood pressure is 140 and higher for systolic pressure. Diastolic pressure does not need to be high for you to have high blood pressure. When that happens, the condition is called "isolated systolic hypertension," or ISH.

Back to Top


Is isolated systolic high blood pressure dangerous?

Any form of high blood pressure is dangerous if not properly treated. Both numbers in a blood pressure test are important, but, for some, the systolic is especially meaningful. That's because, for those persons middle aged and older, systolic pressure gives a better diagnosis of high blood pressure.


If left uncontrolled, high systolic pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney damage, blindness, or other conditions. While it cannot be cured once it has developed, ISH can be controlled.


Clinical studies have proven that treating a high systolic pressure saves lives, greatly reduces illness, and improves the quality of life.

Back to Top


Does it require special treatment?

Treatment options for ISH are the same as for other types of high blood pressure, in which both systolic and diastolic pressures are high. ISH is treated with lifestyle changes and/or medications. The key for any high blood pressure treatment is to bring the condition under proper control. Blood pressure should be controlled to less than 140/90 mm Hg. If yours is not, then ask your doctor why. You may just need a lifestyle or drug change, such as reducing salt in your diet or adding a second medication.

Back to Top


What is diastolic blood pressure?

Diastolic pressure is the force of blood in the arteries as the heart relaxes between beats. It's shown as the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.


The diastolic blood pressure has been and remains, especially for younger people, an important hypertension number. The higher the diastolic blood pressure the greater the risk for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. As people become older, the diastolic pressure will begin to decrease and the systolic blood pressure begins to rise and becomes more important. A rise in systolic blood pressure will also increase the chance for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Your physician will use both the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure to determine your blood pressure category and appropriate prevention and treatment activities.


It is important to take steps to keep your blood pressure under control. The treatment goal is blood pressure below 140/90 and lower for people with other conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an effective first step in both preventing and controlling high blood pressure. If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in keeping your pressure controlled, it may be necessary to add blood pressure medications.

Back to Top


Closing Note

Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. The only way to tell if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked.

 

Get the facts on high blood pressure and how to live a more heart-healthy life. Find out how you can reduce your risks for heart attack and stroke with proper monitoring by a physician and simple lifestyle changes, even if you have high blood pressure.

Back to Top


Further Reading

Acupuncture for Stroke Rehabilitation: Three Decades of Information

Acupuncture for Stroke Rehabilitation: Three Decades of Information

There are a huge number of people living in the UK with long term disability due to stroke. With the information in this book, we can help them live a better life. Three decades of cases studies, research, and results. (2006) 196pp


View more info >
Typical TCM Therapy for Primary Hypertension

Typical TCM Therapy for Primary Hypertension

This book introduces some famous senior practitioners unique understanding of primary hypertension, their personal experienceand effective treatments, rich in content and useful in clinical practice. (2005) 251pp


View more info >
Blood Pressure Wristwatch Computer

Blood Pressure Wristwatch Computer

Finally a true blood pressure computer that can be worn as a watch. Fully functioning watch with display of date and time. Latest technology for best measuring accuracy. Stores up to 50 measurements. 7cm x 7cm x 2.5cm 110gr


View more info >
Traditional Chinese Treatment for Hypertension

Traditional Chinese Treatment for Hypertension

TCM therapy has gentle & stable effects on hypertension,improving the symptoms & reducing complications.This 9 chapters book discusses the causes & mechanisms,the differentiation & therapeutic principles,varied Chinese herbal med.& prescriptions.342pp


View more info >
Twenty Five Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

Twenty Five Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

The author clearly explains the causes of hypertension and gives easy-to-follow advices including diet, biofeedback, exercise,and relaxation techniques. - By James Scala. (2002) 182pp


View more info >
Aromatherapy Scent and Psyche

Aromatherapy Scent and Psyche

The authors explore aromatherapy & reveal how it can be used to enhance almost any aspect of our lives, from aromatic lavender massage & tea tree oil baths to the treatment of high blood pressure & depression with ylang ylang.- P&K.Damian (1995) 244pp


View more info >
Supplement Your Presciption: What Your Dr Doesnt Know About Nutrition

Supplement Your Presciption: What Your Dr Doesnt Know About Nutrition

Prescription drugs can rob you of the very vitamins and minerals your body needs to overcome your current health condition. Whether you suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or depression, prescription drugs can make you worse. (2007)183pp


View more info >
Blood Stasis: Chinas Classical Concept in Modern Medicine

Blood Stasis: Chinas Classical Concept in Modern Medicine

This book covers in detail the description of Blood Stasis in TCM, and many western dieseases including diatbetes, gynaecological disorders,stroke, tumours and myocardial infarction. Includes acupuncture and herbal prescriptions. (2007) 351pp


View more info >


Chinalife Remedies

Heart Protect Tea

Heart Protect Tea

A special blend to help reduce blood fat, cholesterol & high blood pressure.


View more info >
Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil

This oil is beneficial for many things including acne, scarring, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, catarrh, muscular tension, burns, PMT, palpitations, high blood pressure and rheumatism.


View more info >
Green Coin Leaved Willow with Locust Tree Flower

Green Coin Leaved Willow with Locust Tree Flower

Traditionally used to help reduce high blood pressure.


View more info >
Marjoram Essential Oil

Marjoram Essential Oil

This oil is useful for insomnia, headaches, colds, asthma, bronchitis, muscular tension, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, high blood pressure and constipation.


View more info >
Big Leaf Kuding

Big Leaf Kuding

Picked and twisted in Hainan in 2008. A cooling anti-inflammatory tea that helps treat hypertension. Also great as a weight loss aid. A bitter sweet brew. 10g


View more info >
Wild Bitter Tea

Wild Bitter Tea

Picked in Sichuan in 2008. Watch the dark strand unfurl into perfect lime green leaves. Transforms from a bitter start to a sweet licorice finish in the mouth. Renowned for treating hypertension. 50g


View more info >
Energy Walker Acupulse

Energy Walker Acupulse

The unit synthesizes 6 micro-computer programs imitating the feelings of a real massage into an electronic pulse. Unit includes hypertension reduction clamps (to fit on the ears), reflexology slippers, adhesive pads, wire, storage case.


View more info >
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Anti-depressant, aphrodisiac and sedative; this oil is beneficial for shock, fright, anxiety, high-blood pressure and skin care for all skin types.


View more info >



Ask AcuMedic

New Feature :: If you have a question to which you cannot find sufficient information on our site - you can now post your query in our open forum titled 'Your Say' and a member of staff will do their best to offer advice. Our forum is monitored by qualified health professionals. Also our forum allows other users to post comments, sugestions and experiences that may help you.


See also: Forum | Contact us | Acupuncture and Chinese Herb Medicine FAQ | Website Help

Back to Top

Always seek health advice from your doctor, or local  Health Outlet. AcuMedic will be very pleased to offer advice regarding difficulties with this condition. Please see our Arrow Clinic


Please note that although we are confident that our treatments will help the majority of our patients, we cannot absolutely guarantee a cure as the needs and difficulties of each patient can differ greatly



'CHEAP BACK CURE'
Acupuncture is the cheapest way of treating lower back pain according to study out on 15th September. Despite higher initial costs, the long-term improvement in patients' condition mean it works out cheaper in the long run than conventional Western medicine.

Click for more info
 

DID YOU KNOW?

Our courses are accredited by the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

Home | Courses | Clinics | Site Map | Search | FAQ | Forum | About | Contact
Chinese Medicine Online Shop | TCM & Medical Supplies | Medical Health Book Shop | Meditation Relaxation Music
AcuMedic is a registered trade name of AcuMedic Limited ©1972-2007
©2007 Acumedic, Ltd. All rights reserved.