THE SILENT KILLER

THE SILENT KILLER

Hypertension. Simply stated – High Blood Pressure.

This is the time of year that in an already busy life, we have even more added to our

To Do list. Almost more than is humanly possible to get done. We have big meals to cook, presents to buy, presents to wrap, schedules to organize and reorganize and long distance places to drive or fly.  While high blood pressure has many symptoms, in our busy lives we often don’t pay attention to them. And in some people there are no symptoms – hence the name the silent killer.

Some of the many symptoms include:

• Hypertension can cause headaches, mostly dull and persistent. And usually in the back of the head near the neck. They can feel similar to a tension headache

• Shortness of Breath -  Usually after expending energy such as going up stairs or walking swiftly. This can be due to probable thickening and stiffening of the heart wall as the condition progresses. 

• Frequent Exhaustion – Often happens because of the extra energy the heart must expend to pump blood

• Ringing in the Ear – High Blood pressure can often lead to pounding in the head that makes a constant ringing in the ears which mimics tinnitus. If left untreated it can lead to tinnitus

• Nosebleeds - Hypertension can interfere with blood clotting which makes the blood move more quickly. Blood vessels can also become more fragile due to the deterioration and cause nosebleeds

Treatments for Hypertension (that your doctor may prescribe)

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (Causes relaxation of blood vessels)

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (Helps relax veins and arteries)

• Diuretics (Helps remove fluid from body)

• Beta-blockers  (blocks the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline)

• Calcium channel blockers (Prevents calcium from entering the cells of the heart and arteries)

While there are many causes of High Blood Pressure from poor diet, diabetes or even sleep apnea one of the main causes is STRESS!

So plan early, slow down as much as you can, ask for help and get enough sleep, so that you can enjoy your holidays and your life.