HEALTH NEWS

BY DAVID S. DUANI, M.D., Greene Family Medicine
Published: June 26, 2008

I often hear from my patients that they’re not worried about their high blood pressure readings because “it runs in my family,” “I feel fine and have no symptoms,” “I already follow a healthy lifestyle,” “No one in my family has had a heart attack or stroke,” etc.
High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a condition where the pressure in the arterial side of the circulatory system is high enough to cause organ damage. Just as too high a pressure in the water pipes of a home can lead to leaks or burst pipes so can high blood pressure damage the organs of the body. The brain, eyes, kidneys and heart are frequently damaged by uncontrolled hypertension. This can result in loss of vision, kidney failure, strokes and heart attacks. People with diabetes and elevated cholesterol are particularly susceptible to problems from high blood pressure. It has been shown by many medical studies that good control of blood pressure can help prevent this organ damage and keep you in good health.
Many people are hesitant to take high blood pressure medication. Most physicians would agree that a change in lifestyle leading to weight loss and starting a program of regular exercise can reduce blood pressure, often to the point where no medication is required. The medications used to lower blood pressure are generally safe and effective. While some people may experience side effects from their medication, your physician can usually switch you to another medication that doesn’t cause any problems. There are so many types of blood pressure medications that it is usually not difficult to find one that agrees with you. If you are on medication it is important to follow-up with your doctor regularly for blood pressure checks and for periodic lab tests.
Undiagnosed high blood pressure causes no symptoms in the person who has it unless it is very high or they are already having damage to their organs. For this reason it is important that your blood pressure be measured periodically even if it hasn’t been elevated in the past. Your doctor can tell you how often this should be done, depending on your health and other medical problems you might have.
Having your blood pressure tested and keeping it under control if it is found to be elevated can add years to your life and prevent many serious diseases.
This article is one in a series of monthly columns by Greene Family Medicine where doctors will answer your health-related questions. If you have any questions that you would like to ask a doctor for this column, please send them to: Greene Family Medicine, Attention: Paige Herndon, 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100, Ruckersville, Virginia 22968