Hypertension So dramatic is hypertension

Hypertension: High blood pressure remains dangerous

13/12/2014

Even though more people nowadays know about their high blood pressure, hypertension indirectly remains the number one cause of death in Germany. However, the common disease would now often be treated quite well, not only with medication, but also through a healthier lifestyle and home remedies for hypertension.

More people know about their hypertension
High blood pressure is still one of the biggest health risks in the Western world. For example, it burdens the vascular system, speeds up the development of arteriosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, as reported a few days ago, Germans now have better control of their blood pressure than they did two decades ago. At that time, only half of those affected knew about their high blood pressure, a quarter was treated and only at ten to 15 percent of the blood pressure was well under control. As the „world“ writes in a recent article, said Professor Martin Hausberg, chief physician at the Municipal Hospital Karlsruhe, that this has "improved in the meantime". According to the expert, "82 percent of those affected today would know about their hypertension, 72 percent are under treatment and at least 52 percent have passable values," said Hausberg, CEO of the German Hypertension League (DHL)..

20 to 30 million hypertensive patients
The experts say it's easier than ever to treat hypertension today. So there are now over 500 drugs. For interactions that may arise in connection with drugs that are necessary because of other conditions, there are sufficient opportunities for evasion. „And even those who did not control his blood pressure optimally, but could only lower a piece, has already achieved a success“, so Hausberg according to the „world“. Nevertheless, according to the report, there are still 20 to 30 million hypertensive patients. The common disease remains cause of death number 1, considering that the pressure in the blood vessels hundreds of thousands leads to heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Every year, over 140,000 people die in Germany as a result of hypertension. „Thus, high blood pressure is also at the top, considering the lost healthy years of life“, said Professor Jürgen Scholze, Director of the Medical Polyclinic of the Berlin Charité.

Healthier lifestyle
As Scholze explained, over the past few decades, there have been several changes in what high blood pressure means. Due to numerous studies, my researchers today say that blood pressure does not have to fall below 140/90 mmHg. „For people over 80 years of age, we even assume that lowering the upper value to 150 to 160 will suffice“, so scholze. To get there, there are basically two ways: healthier lifestyle and medication. The former means, among other things to fight against their own overweight or obesity, giving up smoking, more exercise and a healthier diet, such as less meat, salt and alcohol and more fruits and vegetables. Since stress can also contribute to high blood pressure, relaxation techniques such as yoga or autogenic training are among the possible ways to help lower blood pressure.

Note possible drug interactions
Only if all such measures are insufficient, doctors advise to medications. The „world“ The rule is that those who suffer from a mild high blood pressure, that is, with levels up to 160/100, should only try it for one year with lifestyle changes. Only in the absence of success was the time for medication. However, since hypertension does not hurt at first, sufferers often find it difficult to adhere to the measures, and it is much more convenient to take one tablet a day. As the experts of the high pressure league explained, every patient reacts differently. In addition, some sufferers have additional illnesses such as diabetes and take other drugs, which must be considered because of possible interactions. „Some preparations would be counterproductive“, so scholze. „It is therefore important that home and specialist physicians communicate in order to exchange medications, if necessary, and thus to keep an eye on the overall situation.“

Increase in obesity and metabolic disorders in children
Concern causes physicians the increase of obesity and metabolic disorders in children and young adults. Experts have recently identified two more problems for them: first, the increasing use of so-called energy drinks with caffeine and, second, the massive drug treatment of children with attention deficit syndrome / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to the report, both contribute to the increase in blood pressure. „Under certain circumstances, ADHD therapy can do more harm than good“, said Charité physician Scholze. In addition, evidence has been tightened that diseased gums damage the blood vessels and contribute to high blood pressure. „Gingivitis, periodontitis, affects the whole body“, says Johannes Baulmann, vascular specialist at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein. „The inflammation caused by certain bacteria cause the vessels in the body to calcify and age prematurely.“ However, treating periodontitis successfully can stop the calcifications and help lower blood pressure. „It is important that the dentist treats the periodontitis and not just remove the tartar.“

Further diagnostics in case of unsuccessful therapy
Even though the blood pressure has been too high for a long time despite the therapy, you still do not know at first whether the blood vessels are already damaged and there is already a risk of a stroke or heart attack. If the hypertensive patient carries additional risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood lipid levels, Professor Scholze advises further diagnostics, whereby certain markers can be determined, such as the inflammatory indicator CRP in the blood and the albumin protein in the urine. In addition, an imaging method, the measurement of the „Pulse Wave Velocity“, Provide information on whether the vessels are still flexible and healthy or hard and damaged. (Ad)