Hypertension
controversial, there is something called the white coat syndrome, which means that some people (up to 30 percent of the population) have elevated blood pressure readings simply by walking into a clinic. So, when seeing your doctor, it is important to know that hypertension is usually diagnosed after the second or third reading of above 140/90. For people who are 18 years or older, when the systolic blood pressure is above 140 (actually, if the blood pressure is between 140 and 199, systolic), and the diastolic blood pressure is between 90 and 104, the pressure should be checked again within a 2 month period. If the blood pressure is above 200, there should be an immediate evaluation as to the cause, and this is for any visit to a clinician, doctor's office, or hospital. This is being said because you, the patient, should understand what blood pressure is, what is thought to be alarming, and what is considered to be normal. And unless there is a real reason to do so, blood pressure is rarely treated during the initial visit to the clinician.
What can be done about an elevated blood pressure? What can you do, as the patient, do, or what should you not do? These are excellent questions because, as previously stated, the patient is also expected to take an active role in his or her own health. First, understand that there are specific risk factors associated with hypertension. These are:
- smoking
- weight
- diet (too much sodium or salt or inappropriate levels of calcium)
- stress
- genetics
- alcohol (drinking in excess)
So, if you smoke, quit. If you weigh too much, lose weight (but follow the advice of your physician if you have a history of heart disease). If your diet consists of too much salt, reduce the salt intake (in fact, I tell my patients to get rid of the salt on the table. Your food generally has enough salt and adding salt is usually not good). If there is undue stress, such as environmental factors, see what can be done about reducing stress factors. Talk with your doctor about them as there is better treatment now for stress reduction than ever before. If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor about what is considered too much. Having one glass of wine a day is generally not considered bad; but before making that decision, talk with your doctor. There may be a reason
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