Dear M.F
I hope the following will help you to understand. Keith More commonly referred to High Blood Pressure or just plain Blood pressure. The Blood in the vessels of the body exerts a pressure on these vessels and on organs with which it comes into contact. This pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer(see picture). Most people are familiar with having their BP taken at the Surgery.

It is expressed as for example 130/80. In this, 130 refers to the pressure (in millimetres of Mercury (mmHg)) when the heart is contracting ie pressure is at its highest. The number 80 refers to the pressure (mmHg) when the heart is momentarily at rest ie is at its lowest.

Whilst the precise definitions vary, it is generally considered that for a person who is otherwise healthy a BP of over 140/90 is worthy of some intervention. This contrasts with not so long ago when BP was thought to vary from one person to another just like height, and that high BP wasn?t thought to be problematic.

(This assessment is made using a number of readings over a few weeks, to avoid catching someone at the wrong moment. Some people react to having their BP taken at the Doctor?s leading to excessively high values for BP.. Often they don?t realise that this is the case. They exhibit “white coat syndrome”
This can be got around by asking the person to take readings at home using an electronic machine).

This contrasts with not so long ago when BP was thought to vary from one person to another just like height, and that high BP wasn?t thought to be problematic.

We now know that people with elevated BP over a long period are at a higher risk of having a HEART ATTACK, a STROKE or having KIDNEY damage in the future.

Because of this it is a good idea to reduce this risk by using anti-hypertensive drugs where appropriate.
We should not overlook lifestyle issues when considering our approach. Sometimes we can do a lot more with altering our behaviours than can be achieved with drugs.
For instance reducing one?s weight will reduce our BP, as will performing moderate exercise. Reducing SALT intake is important also. Processed foods contain far more salt than we realise. Get used to critically reading the back of food packaging rather than the glitzy front. Buy foods with as few ingredients as possible and don?t add salt to your food. Taste it first. If it needs something, add seasoning NOT salt.

There appears to be an innate craving for salt when our levels are reduced eg by taking tablets which can deplete it, so don?t underestimate how hard this can be.

I hope to provide help with other lifestyle issues as they relate to health in the very near future.
Cheers Keith

Useful Sources of Information
www.medlineplus.gov..................................USA National Institute of Health
www.bhf.org.uk....................................British Heart Foundation
www.bhsoc.org..................................British Hypertension Society

People seem to be generally resistant to the idea of increasing their fluid intake. Frequent trips to the toilet are a constant reason for not having more. On enquiry most people say that they drink enough. I have grave doubts as to this being the case.
Water is our most needed nutrient, representing about 70% of body weight. Put another way, imagine about 85 pints of liquid in pint glasses on the top of a wall. That's how much water is in the average person.
An easy way to assess whether one is dehydrated is to check the colour of one's urine. It should be very pale yellow or colourless. If it is darker or straw coloured a few drinks are required. A bad head is another frequent symptom of fluid deprivation. The eye capillaries disappear in dehydration also. Inadequate fluid levels can cause kidney problems as it is the main fluid regulating organ.

We are losing fluid all the time, so to preserve our body's functions e.g. maintaining blood volume, removal of waste products, body temperature etc we need to have an adequate intake for good health. Don't wait to be thirsty”. The way our bodies work, when we are thirsty we are already well past becoming dehydrated.

A sensible target is to aim for is about 8 - 12 cups of fluid per day. In extreme environments or circumstances this requirement may be increased. It may seem a lot to drink, but this amount can include things like milk, soup, ice cream, yogurt, even tea and coffee. The latter two should be restricted to about three cups a day. We don't want too many calories in these fluids so a bit of inventiveness may be required to make it interesting and satisfying. Adding lemon or lime to water can give it a nice kick, as can other things like cucumber. Cool water is usually more refreshing also.

Having a cup of water at your place of work means periodic sipping can increase intake. Take a glass (ingredients of plastics can be leached out by water) bottle of water (or spiced a little with a low calorie flavouring, NOT sugar) to work, together with a disposable cup. Don't forget to clean the bottle daily if it's to be used again. Take a water break rather than the coffee version. Ask for a water source to be introduced at work if there isn't one available.

The increase in bottled water consumption is impressive. In the USA in 2006, Americans collectively spent $10.8 billion on this. The year before it was a mere $10 billion. It's far cheaper to use tap water which is just as good, if not better!! It is tested regularly and is regulated more than bottled. Some bottled waters have worryingly high levels of Sodium which is bad for one's blood pressure, whilst carbonated (sparkling) drinks erode the teeth. We have a significant problem of tooth erosion in children because of this phenomenon.

In short, to be healthy you need adequate fluid intake. It requires as much attention, if not more than other dietary issues. It is fundamental to being healthy.

Hope this helps Keith

Home Page | Repeat Prescriptions | Wellbeing Services | Opening Hours | Team Page | Ask Keith | Promotions and Links | Forum | Contact Us