The difference between the 2 numbers measures the resistance exerted by the blood vessels and is called the pulse pressure It is a rough index of vascular rigidity, and we should consult a specialist if it is higher than 70mmHGIn 10% of hypertension cases the cause may be a congenitally inherited disease , chronic disease in the kidney or its supplying arteries (eg renal failure), alcohol abuse or hormonal imbalance, it is called "Secondary hypertension"In 90% of hypertension cases, the cause is unknown and is regularly seen at older age It is called " Essential hypertension"A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower, higher blood pressure is 140/90 or higher If it is in between the case is called a pre- hypertensive case As hypertension is the "silent killer" if not treated in time to guard against its prognosis, one should be aware of his blood pressure at any age After the age of 21, it should be measured every 2 yearsHypertension damage the blood vessels, raising the risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and heart attack Nicotine in cigarettes and other Tobacco products causes blood pressure to rise as a result of both constricting blood vessels and accelerating heart beats Sodium (in table salt) can increase blood pressure in some people but not every oneFACTORS FACILITATING HYPERTENSION:Large arteries are designed so as to stretch out expanding when they receive blood pumped by the heart, then when this blood flows out of these arteries into smaller ones, they recoil back to their original size before the heart beatTo perform this job, the middle layer of the arteries is made up of smooth muscle cells surrounded by a network of collagen and elastic fibers Collagen and Elastin are proteins which together form the nest or the matrix where-in the smooth muscle cells reside It is this middle layer that is responsible for elasticity of arteriesA young person arteries are similar to soft latex birthday balloon But for many persons, the arteries have become more like rubber tiresThis is due to stiffening of arteries which is determined by the changes that occur in the smooth muscle cells and the matrix proteins (collagen and elastin) in their walls This stiffening of arteries is called "Atherosclerosis"Atherosclerosis is initiated by direct damage of blood vessels through glycation reactionsWith aging the amount of vascular collagen increases, causing an imbalance of collagen and elastin to occur, and abnormal cross-links from between the collagen strands as a result These cross-links are the result of advanced-glycation-end-products(AGEs)GLYCATION:It is the result of a sugar molecule, such as Glucose, Fructose or Galactose bonding to a protein or lipid molecule without enzymatic controlDietary-Preformed Glycation products and Advanced Glycation End Products(AGEs):As an organic reaction AGEs can be and they are typically formed when sugars are heated(cooked) with proteins or fats High temperature greatly accelerates the reactions, but lower temperature with larger cooking times also promote their formationThese compounds are absorbed by the body during digestion with about 30% efficiency
Sugars are added to products such as french fries and baked goods to enhance browning Browning reactions are evidence of pre-formed GlycationsMany foods contain AGEs, like those with significant browning, or with directly added AGEs ( as flavors or colorants) Just to mention a few of foods with very high exogenous AGEs:
Donuts - Barbecued meats -Cake - Dark colored Soda popFormation of AGEs Inside the body :In the blood, Glucose, Fructose and Galactose, through a complex series of very slow reactions ( inside the body) , leading finally to AGEs formation Some AGEs are more reactive than the sugars they are derived from and are implicated in many age-related diseaseMANAGEMENT:1- Reduce weight2- Exercise as your health allows3- Reduce intake of foods known to contain AGEs4- Till very recently, not a single study has shown improved health outcomes on reduced Sodium diets5- Stop smoking6- Keep visiting your Dr periodicallyTREATMENT:It should be through a specialist who can describe one or more of these drug groups:
Diuretics - B-Blockers - Methyl-Dopa - ACE inhibitors - Calcium channel blockers - Angiotensin2 antagonists, according to how he evaluates the patient condition
waheed Elqalatawy writes simple scientific articles on health topics for any one who wants to expand his reading horizons about health Publish articles but please don't change them and don't forget to include myURL: http://wwwwaheedelqalatawyblogspotcom
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