The first thing we need is a basic understanding of Hypertension.  I hope to give you an explanation as well as a personal glimpse into what it is like to have it.  As I said on the index page I will not be giving credit here as that would be impossible.  I have collected this information over time from various sources, source types, and from personal experience as well. DEFINITION Hypertension or high blood pressure is a disorder characterized by systolic blood pressure [the 'top' number, which represents the pressure generated when the heart beats] consistently higher than 140, or diastolic blood pressure [the "bottom" number, which represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest] consistently over 90. ETIOLOGY Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood pumped by the heart, and the size and condition of the arteries.  Many other factors can affect blood pressure, including volume of water in the body; salt content of the body; condition of the kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels; and levels of various hormones in the body.  Caucasian men and African-Americans of both sexes have a higher incidence of significant hypertension.  Hypertension is either considered essential hypertension, which has no identifiable cause or secondary which is caused by another disorder.  Essential hypertension comprises over 95% of all hypertension. SYMPTOMS Blood pressure consistently over 140/90, or consistently over the person's "normal" blood pressure, is considered hypertension. The person may show the following symptoms or none at all. Headache [occasionally] Tiredness Confusion Vision changes Nausea Vomiting Anxiety Excessive perspiration Pale skin, or redness of the face or other areas Muscle tremors Angina-like pain: crushing substernal chest pain Splenomegaly Nosebleed Heartbeat sensations Ear noise/buzzing TREATMENT Lifestyle changes may be helpful to control high blood pressure.  Lose weight, if overweight since excess weight adds a strain on the heart.  In some cases, weight loss may be the only treatment needed.  Exercise to improve cardiac fitness.  Decrease the amount of sodium in your diet.  Although sodium intake may have little effect in people without hypertension but it can have a profound effect in those with hypertension.  And remember, salt, MSG, and baking soda all contain sodium. The goal of treatment is to reduce blood pressure to a level where there is decreased risk of complications.  Treatment may occur at home with close supervision by the health care provider, or may occur in the hospital. Medications may include diuretics of any sort, potassium replacements, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors.  Medications such as hydralazine, diazoxide, or nitroprusside may be required if the blood pressure is very high.  Have your blood pressure checked at regular intervals or as often as recommended by the provider. MY POINT of VIEW I was diagnosed with hypertension in 1997 after having some very high blood pressures.  Some readings were as high or higher than 240/160.  However, it took a while to diagnose because it seemed whenever I was in the doctor's office I would have a normal reading.  It was the fact that I worked in the medical profession that allowed for diagnosis.  I had many other health workers take and record my blood pressures over a course of time until it was finally detected by my doctor.  I was never told whether it was essential or secondary hypertension though.   Aside from an occasional nosebleed, I didn't have any symptoms. My blood pressure is controlled with Vasotec, Lasix, and K-dur. 2000 UPDATE My blood pressure continues to be maintained on my current medicine. 2001 UPDATE Since I no longer work my stress level is greatly reduced.  As such, my blood pressure has come down to the point that I am no longer taking the Vasotec.  Lasix and K-dur continues without any change.

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