Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke and renal failure. According to a 2007 report in the journal "Circulation," at least 65 million Americans, or nearly one-fourth of the adult population in the U.S., has hypertension. The report defines hypertension as a systolic number---the top reading---value of greater than or equal to 140, and a diastolic number---the bottom reading---value of greater than or equal to 90. Whereas, a normal blood pressure reading is typically 120/80.
Hypertension Types
Hypertension as outlined in the December 2003 issue of the journal "Hypertension" classifies this term into three subcategories all greater than a value of 120/80. Pre-hypertension is the stage where values lie between 120/80 to 139/89. Type I hypertension systolic and diastolic readings fall within a range of 140/90 to 159/99, and with Type II hypertension, blood pressure is 160/100 or higher.
Risk
Irrespective of which of the three types of hypertension a person might have, the World Health Organization reports that systolic values greater than 115 are responsible for 62 percent of cerebrovascular disease and 49 percent of ischemic heart disease. Furthermore, Clive Ronsendorff and colleagues state in the "Circulation" report that systolic hypertension is strongly correlated with increasing age past 50 and that more than half the Americans over the age of 65 have either isolated systolic or combined systolic-diastolic hypertension. Whereas, below the age of 50, diastolic blood pressure is the major predictor for ischemic heart disease.
Treatment
Hypertension can be reduced with the aid of effective anti-hypertensive medications as well as lifestyle modifications. Regular exercise on most days of the week, weight loss, cessation of cigarette smoking, and decreased sodium intake and alcohol consumption are modifiable lifestyle factors that Aram V. Chobanian and colleagues recommend in the "Hypertension" article to help effectively prevent or manage hypertension.
Result
When properly utilized, anti-hypertensive therapy in combination with lifestyle modifications has shown significant benefits in lowering the risk for the onset of hypertensive-related negative health outcomes. As reported in the "Hypertension" article, the occurrence of stroke has been shown to decrease 35 to 40 percent; heart attack risk, 20 to 25 percent; and heart failure, greater than 50 percent. Furthermore, Chobanian and colleagues report that achieving a sustained 12mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure over 10 years can prevent one death in every 11 patients treated.
Considerations
The goal for every adult to help prevent or minimize the risk for the development of health issues related to hypertension is to have a blood pressure at 120/80 or lower. Although lifestyle modifications show some effectiveness in managing hypertension, see your physician every three to six months if you suspect that you or someone you know has hypertension. Not all treatments options are effective, so it is important to consult a health professional when determining a treatment plan.
