Be Nice To Mosquitoes
“I have a terrific pain in the back of my head!”
These were the last words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Here are his blood pressures from 1939 to 1945 (There was no treatment for high blood pressure at this time):
So when FDR was photographed here, with cigar in hand, his blood pressure was about 235/140.
FDR died several months after this picture was taken from a head bleed – presumably from high blood pressure.
Will I get high blood pressure?
It’s estimated that 46% of Americans have high blood pressure. The average age for high blood pressure is about 50 years old. Most people increase blood pressure by about 1 point per year. Here is what defines normal and abnormal blood pressure:
- Normal: <120/80
- “Pre” high blood pressure: 120-139/80-89
- High: >140/90
- You cause mosquitoes to explode: >180/100
- “Clear the area, I’m going to faint:” <80/50
The top number is the force in the arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number is the pressure measured between heart beats. We usually start treatment if the top number is greater than 140mmHg.
However, if you’ve had a heart attack and are not a diabetic, one study shows that keeping your top number less than 130mmHg is best for preventing another heart attack.
Where to measure blood pressure
I’ll spot you 10-20 points in my office. So called “white coat” hypertension is real (and is actually a bad sign). However, the best place to measure your blood pressure is at home. Sit for 5 minutes, RELAX, don’t cross your legs and keep your arm down by your side. An upper arm cuff is preferable. Try not to be doing any IKEA self-assembly furniture projects around this time. Remember MOST of your blood pressures should be in the normal range. Don’t freak out from a few occasional higher blood pressures.
Does high blood pressure cause heart attacks?
Yes. Study after study shows that the higher the blood pressure, the more likely you are to have a heart attack. Here’s one example from 6 million people followed for 13 years.
Do you need to take medications?
NOT ALWAYS! Here’s a list of things you can do to lower blood pressure that don’t involve medicines:
* For the diet go to this prior post.
**Men </=2 drinks/day and women </=1 drink/day – and no big cups allowed! One drink is considered 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof whiskey.
Guess what type of body fat is associated with high blood pressure?
One study showed that it’s the size of your belly that is associated with the development of high blood pressure. One study showed that for every 2 pounds you lose, the top number drops by 1 point. Here’s a great post to read if someone else has to tie your shoes and you have to take their word for it.
The other white crystals that cause high blood pressure
Salt isn’t the only thing that can cause higher blood pressure – a diet high in added sugar can raise blood pressure by 6mmHg. One study showed that eating (or drinking) sugar equivalent to 4 sodas a day for 10 weeks raised blood pressure by 4mmHg. Interestingly, when sugar is eaten in food (like fruits), blood pressure does NOT increase.
How much aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure?
Aerobic exercise can delay blood vessel aging by 8 years.
The right dose of aerobic exercise ought to look familiar:
- Frequency: 3-4 days a week
- Moderate or vigorous
- 30 min/time (can be cumulative)
What kind of weight lifting lowers blood pressure?
The right dose of weight lifting ought to look familiar too:
- Frequency: 2-3 days/week
- Amount: 3 sets/about 11 reps/8 different exercises
What if my blood pressure won’t come down with medications?
There is something called resistant high blood pressure defined as still having high blood pressure >140/90 while on 3 or more medications – one of which is a water pill (diuretic). About 10% of people with high blood pressure are resistant to treatment. Here are the causes:
Common:
- Not taking medications
- Wrong medications
- Sleep apnea (do a sleep test)
- Hyperaldosteronism (do a blood test)
- Kidney artery blockages (do an ultrasound test)
- Cheering for the Chicago Cubs
Less Common:
- Kidney disease
- Alcohol
- Medications like ibuprofen
- Thyroid problems
What are the best medications to lower blood pressure?
There are many different types of medications to lower blood pressure and it took me until 28th grade to learn who needs what. One study has shown that a combination of two pills like lisinopril and amlodipine are the most effective at preventing heart attacks.
This isn’t the best combination for everyone, so please talk to your doctor. Most people need at least two medications.
Step 6 Summary:
Check your blood pressure. Treatment can be done with lifestyle changes and medications. Treatment should be started if your blood pressure is >140/90. If you’ve had a heart attack and are not a diabetic, your goal blood pressure should be <130/85. If you’re on a lot of medications and your blood pressures are still high, go see your doctor because there’s probably something else going on. Finally, don’t run for office and simultaneously get involved in a world war – I hear the stress might kill you.
I appreciate your periodic, progressive blogs on heart health. They are easy to read and understand, encouraging, often correct misinformation or data we may believe to be true. Your citations are rich with additional information. Readers of your blog are left with a “I can do this attitude” which is empowering.
The humor you have infused in your blogs is “heart healthy”, it’s funny.
With appreciation,
BT
Thanks Blas. Appreciate you reading them. Hopefully they create some positive change – the knowledge does in me!