Herzwochen Comprehensive on hypertension

Hypertension focus of this year's Herzwochen

11/11/2011

This year's Herzwochen der Deutschen Herzstiftung meets with broad support throughout Germany. In numerous meetings, patient seminars, workshops and information sessions are under the heading „Heart under pressure“ the health risks of hypertension are addressed.

Again and again, the experts like Dr. Wolfgang Karmann, Chief Physician at the Kitzinger Land Clinic or the Heart Specialist and Chief Executive Officer of the German Heart Foundation, Professor Dr. med. Thomas Meinertz, currently on the reputation of hypertension as so-called „silent killer“ out. Although high blood pressure (hypertension) is actually relatively easy to diagnose and treat, but since the disease in the initial stage usually runs without serious physical symptoms, by far not all concerned seek a doctor. Many high blood pressure patients do not know about their condition at all and only seek medical help if serious health problems occur. Karmann opposite the „Main Post“.

Creeping danger of hypertension
According to the chief physician of the Kitzinger Land Clinic, around ten million Germans suffer from hypertension without being aware of their hypertension. Untreated high blood pressure, however, brings with it considerable health risks in the long run, so that there is urgent need for educational work, stressed Dr. med. Karmann. For this reason, the Kitzinger Land Clinic will also be dedicating a special event to hypertension during the Herzwochen of the German Heart Foundation. Together with the adult education center, the clinic will be offering the patient seminar on Saturday, November 12, starting at 9 o'clock „Heart under pressure“ on. As part of the seminar will be the topic „Blood pressure: The underrated danger“ discussed in detail, explained Karmann. Here are also the initially mostly relatively unspecific symptoms of hypertension such as mild headaches, sudden heat spurts, heart pains and similar complaints in the center. The high blood pressure leads in some patients initially even more to an increase in vitality, while the health is gradually damaged by the hypertension gradually more, according to the statement of the chief physician of the clinic Kitzinger Land. An untreated high blood pressure, the blood vessels become brittle, narrow or close and threaten serious health consequences such as strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure and blindness, warned the physician of the potential health risks of hypertension.

Regular checks of blood pressure required
According to the experts, hypertension is usually only diagnosed when the patient's organs are already damaged, although hypertension is actually relatively easy to determine. Regular visits to the doctor's office, which also control blood pressure, would virtually eliminate the risk of undetected high blood pressure. But which patient goes to the doctor when he feels well? However, the early diagnosis of high blood pressure made it possible to avoid serious sequelae as far as possible. Therefore, according to the experts, regular checks are recommended especially for persons over the age of 60, as every second senior citizen today suffers from hypertension. Your own blood pressure measurements at home could also significantly reduce the health risks here, Dr. Karmann.

Avoid the consequences of hypertension by changing the lifestyle
According to the physician, the growing prevalence of hypertension is also reflected in the number of hypertensive patients in the Kitzinger Land Clinic. Here, almost 7,000 people suffer from hypertension, which accounts for around 70 percent of the total number of patients in the hospital. Karmann. The Kitzinger Land Clinic has already responded to the increasing prevalence of hypertension and formed a team of specialists, which, based on an additional qualification from the German Hypertension League, will noticeably improve the treatment of high blood pressure patients. Both the chief physician Karmann and Birgit Pavel have completed additional training. Since then, the hypertensive patients are separated „advised and motivated“, to sustainably lower their high blood pressure. Dietary tips and lifestyle changes to a healthy diet and sufficient physical activity are also part of the advice, such as the correct handling of blood pressure monitors. After all, high blood pressure does not have to end with severe health problems if, in addition to appropriate medication, the lifestyle is changed and the patients are aware of their personal risk.

Patient seminar provides intensive educational work
High blood pressure patients should not be afraid to take tablets for their high blood pressure in an emergency - even if sometimes the side effects mentioned on the leaflet may seem scary. For the threatening consequences of untreated high blood pressure are definitely worse in the long run than possible side effects of the drugs, the experts explained. Even more crucial than the intake of drugs, however, is a change in lifestyle. High blood pressure patients should always abstain from tobacco and alcohol, avoid stress, switch to a low-salt diet and pay attention to sufficient exercise, Dr. Karmann. However, these important clues are still ignored by many hypertensive patients. One of the reasons for the Kitzinger Land Clinic this Saturday is to do intensive educational work with the patient seminar. However, it is not a question of scare the patient with the life-threatening consequences of untreated high blood pressure, but to inform factually about the risks, diagnostic and treatment options. Modern examination methods such as the determination of the biological vascular age are also part of the patient seminar. As part of the Heart Weeks of the German Heart Foundation, numerous other hypertension events will be offered until the end of November, where interested people can learn all about the risks of hypertension. (Fp)

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Image: Dieter Schütz