Facts about Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
Why is High Blood Pressure, also called Hypertension, called “Silent”? To help us get a better understanding, here are some shocking facts about High Blood Pressure, from the World Health Organization.
An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 worldwide have hypertension
An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are UNAWARE they have it
Often, hypertension is silent, meaning there are NO SYMPTOMS
Less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated
Only 1 in 5 adults (21%) with hypertension have it under control
Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide
Get Your Blood Pressure Checked
Your Naturopathic Doctor can check your Blood Pressure at your next visit. We often note white coat syndrome in patients, even though we don’t wear white coats at the clinic! White coat syndrome means your blood pressure (BP) will elevate because you are anxious about getting your BP checked. We can have you lie down for 10 minutes prior to testing and we will look at 3 readings on separate visits.
Another option is to check your own BP at a pharmacy or at home. Be sure to sit still for several minutes prior to testing and make sure you are calm, to ensure an accurate reading.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Hypertension is defined as the pressure in your blood vessels, specifically your arteries, being too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). Systolic, or the top number, is the pressure in your arteries when the heart pumps. Diastolic, or the bottom number, is the pressure in your arteries when the heart relaxes. Increases in Systolic Blood Pressure occur when the walls of the arteries constrict, often due to a stress response. Increases in Diastolic Blood Pressure might be more of a concern, because it can indicate that the blood vessels are stiff, thickened or hardened by artery disease, and they have a hard time relaxing after they have been put under pressure.
Optimal Blood Pressure is around 110/70. Did you know that one of the best nutrients to relax the muscles in the arterial walls, thus DILATING the vessels and LOWERING pressure is Magnesium? It just so happens that Dr. Kyley’s Masterclass this month is on this magnificent mineral!
Blood Pressure and Inflammation
How does High Blood Pressure contribute to inflammation in blood vessels? I like to imagine the arteries like a garden hose. Imagine too much water pressure on that hose, the hose would likely start to tear. Think of this as a PHYSICAL IRRITANT.
Much like this analogy, your blood vessels can tear, we call these micro-tears, under too much pressure. This can compromise the ENDOTHELIUM which is the single layer of cells of the inner lining of blood vessels. As I discussed in last month’s newsletter, once these microtears happen, lipoproteins like LDL cholesterol can infiltrate into the lining of the blood vessels. The process of plaque formation, or atherosclerosis, begins.
Now it can be a vicious cycle. The blood vessels are thickened which increases blood pressure, which causes more inflammation and damage.
Risk Factors for Hypertension
Testing your Cardiovascular Health if you have Hypertension
There are several easy and very inexpensive tests that your naturopath or family doctor can order to assess the health of your arteries if you have hypertension and to help identify the root cause of your hypertension.
Remember, get your numbers checked and talk to your Naturopathic Doctor about testing and treatment options!