by Dr. Adam Seigers, Medical Health Contributor
Hypertension, known as the silent killer, affects millions of Americans and is directly implicated as a causative factor in heart attacks, strokes, and renal failure.
This discussion focuses on arterial hypertension, one of two types of hypertension.
Arterial hypertension is defined by a blood pressure of 140/90 in a non-diabetic patient and 130/80 in a patient with diabetes.
To a point, the goal is to have the lowest possible pressure to supply the heart, brain, and body with adequate blood flow.This is analogous to the water pressure in the pipes in your home.
Beyond a point, faucets and showers have no increased performance and the system is at risk for damage.
Medications are recommended for high blood pressure not corrected by changes in diet, exercise, and stress reduction.
Medications usually target one of three factors: heart rate, blood vessel tone, and fluid balance.
Often combinations of medications are needed to achieve the desired blood pressure reductions as individuals can be quite refractory in their abilities to maintain abnormal blood pressures.
For more information and to be screened for high blood pressure please contact your primary care provider.
— Dr. Seigers is a physician with Faxton St. Luke’s Adirondack Community Physicians (ACP) Boonville Medical Offices on Rte. 12.
