Posts Tagged ‘Heart failure’
Is your blood pressure under control really?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common problem in this country. Fortunately, most people can be easily controlled with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
If you are taking blood pressure medications, it is important to watch at home regularly. In a significant number of people with hypertension, blood pressure is not adequately controlled, despite being on medication. It’s a good idea to get a blood pressure monitor to use at home (the type that goes around the arm, not the wrist). Take the pressure in the morning and at night at least every week and keep track of your readings.
Why is it important to control? Uncontrolled hypertension can cause a variety of potential danger to life, such as:
* Heart failure
* Aneurysm, a weakening of the wall of a blood vessel that bulges and can burst
* Kidney damage that can lead to kidney failure
* Stroke
Many people are aware that some nonprescription drugs can have an adverse effect on your blood pressure. Common drugs such as decongestants and nasal sprays, can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Do not assume that you can buy without a prescription that is quite safe. Read the labels of OTC drugs and when in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Read the rest of this entry »