Hypertension

[Guest]

HYPERTENSION

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a nice little earner for the drugs companies. A prescription is written almost before the cuff is removed - and yet blood pressure is one of the most variable measurements going. It can rise or fall depending on the time of day, the setting ('white coat tension'), the patient's activities before the test, and so on.

Seemingly unaware of these influences, researchers were astonished to discover that blood pressure dropped to safe levels when patients were allowed to monitor their own levels at home.

They tracked the progress of 441 patients who had been diagnosed with hypertension. They were allowed to check their own blood pressure over the following 12 months - and they fared as well, if not better, than patients who were put on drugs and who reported regularly to surgery.

And, of course, the cost savings were enormous. But if we carry on like that, where are the drug companies going to make their money?
(Source: British Medical Journal, 2005; 331: 493-6).

[druv]

hi lori, that was really some interesting information on hypertension .. I think by proper diet and medication we can avoid surgeries.

[jamesssss]

Just some info:

Hypertension:
A meta-analysis on hypertension, that included 17 clinical trials, concluded that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The effect on non-hypertensive patients was minimal.

[DrHilary]

It is really important if you are checking your blood pressure at home that you use a clinically validated monitor to ensure accuracy. Home monitoring has most certainly been shown to reduce the incidence of White Coat Hypertension.