Hypertension: The Silent Killer

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure (140/90). High blood pressure directly increases the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, especially along with other risk factors. ¹

* Normal blood pressure

Systolic indicates the pressure in the ventricular contraction.
Diastolic indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Stages of Hypertension

• Prehypertension - This hypertension stage is defined as a systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89. This can identify people who are at higher risk of having Hypertension.
• Advice: Doctors can advice lifestyle change.

• Stage 1 - If your systolic blood pressure is between 140 and 159 or your diastolic pressure is between 90 and 99. 
• Advice: Doctors can advice lifestyle change, and some oral medications.

• Stage 2 - If your systolic pressure is 160 or higher or your diastolic pressure is 100 or higher.
• Advice: Immediate hospitalization.

Common Causes of Hypertension

A-E-I-O-U-S.S.S

• A - Alcoholism
• E - Excessive Caffeine
• I - Improper Diet
• High Sodium(Salty food) - leads to high water volume which leads to high heart pressure which leads to hypertension.
• High Fat
• High Cholesterol
• O - Obesity
• U - Unhealthy Lifestyle
• S - Smoking
• S - Stress
• S - Sedentary Lifestyle

2 Types of Cholesterol

• HDL - High Density Lipoprotein A.K.A Good cholesterol
• LDL - Low Density Lipoprotein A.K.A Bad cholesterol

When LDL attaches to the blood wall, it results to blockage/plaque formation. 

• If blockage is on the part going to the heart, a cardiac arrest may occur.
• If blockage is on the part going to the brain, a stroke or CVA(cerebrovascular accident) may occur.

Also, plaque formation can lead to Atherosclerosis, which is the hardening/narrowing of the arteries.

And having Atherosclerosis, one can be prone to Aneurysm, which is the enlargement of the arteries which can lead to rupture.

Statins - oral medication which a doctor can prescribe. And because of it being potent, one side effect is, it can harm your liver cells which can cause liver problem. 

Signs and Symptoms

• Blurry vision
• Numbness in the shoulder area radiating to the left shoulder.
• Body weakness
• Difficulty in breathing*
• Chest pain*

*frequent occurrence requires hospitalization.

Complications

• Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
• Heart Attack
• Cardiomegaly (heart enlargement)
• Atherosclerosis
• Aneurysm
• Kidney failure
• Blindness

Health Teachings

Reverse the CAUSES (A-E-I-O-U-S.S.S)

• Avoid alcoholism
• Limit caffeine intake
• Watch your diet
• Food low in sodium, fat, & cholesterol
• Manage weight
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Stop smoking (gradual)
• Manage stress (e.g. proper breathing exercise)
• Diversional activities (e.g. exercise [walk for 30mins] )

USANA's Product Recommendation

• Essentials
• Renal vitamins (for kidney)
• Vitamins B1, B2, B6, & B12
• Vitamin C
• Folic acid
• Pantothenic acid
• Niacin
• Biotin
• Hesperidin
• Promotes heart muscle relaxation
• Inositol
• Can help lower bad cholesterol
• PS: Do not give if client is taking Vitamin K antagonist
• Proflavanol C100
• Bioflavonoids
• Lowers bad cholesterol
• Dilates the constricted blood vessels
• Strengthen blood vessels
• Promote better blood circulation
• BiOmega
• Acts as a blood thinner
• Dilute the plaque formation
• CoQuinone 30
• High in CoEnzyme Q10
• Strengthen heart muscles

¹ Hypertension