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A killer: High
blood pressure
May is National High Blood Pressure Month. Free blood pressure checks will be sponsored by Fauquier Hospital on Thursday, May 21 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and in the evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the lobby. On Friday, May 22 the checks will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Also offered free of charge will be a special program on high blood pressure by Dr. William Bixenman at Fauquier Hospital Educational Center. This seminar will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The purpose of Dr. Bixenman’s presentation is to educate those who may be at risk, because uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis.
Hypertension can exist for years without symptoms and most cases arise for no known reason. But certain factors including family history increase statistical risk. Children with one or more hypertensive parent have a higher risk than those with no high blood pressure in the family.
Age is a factor. High blood pressure often develops in the 30’s and 40’s, but it becomes more prevalent with age. Many elderly people develop some degree of hypertension.
Race: Hypertension is generally more common in blacks than in whites. The reason is unknown; speculation centers on the role of diet and socioeconomic factors.
Salt consumption: Some people seem genetically susceptible to the effects of sodium in the blood vessels. Since it’s difficult to screen for salt sensitivity, it makes sense for everyone to moderate salt intake.
Obesity: Being overweight increases risk of high blood pressure and several other diseases. To compound the problem, salt intake is often higher in obese people, due simply to eating more food.
Alcohol: Heavy drinking can elevate pressure in the arteries. People with hypertension should have no more than one or two drinks a day.
The Pill: Oral contraceptives cause slight blood pressure rises in many women. In women over 35, the combination of smoking and the Pill may be especially dangerous.
Cigarette smoking: Smoking a cigarette temporarily elevates blood pressure; it also makes the heart work harder. While there’s no direct link to hypertension, smoking is a risk factor for heart disease.
Diabetes and kidney disease: Both of these conditions make the development of high blood> pressure more likely.
Chronic stress: Increased heart rate and a temporary rise in blood pressure are typical reactions to psychological stress. It has been postulated that prolonged stress can lead to hypertension.
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