Month: November 2022

Controlling Blood Pressure – A Novel Way

Today’s fast-paced life seems to have put increasing demands on our heart. At least that is what health specialists say. In addition, with more and more people adding up into the hypertensive category, high blood pressure has now become a commonplace ailment. What really causes high blood pressure?

Stress and high blood-pressure

There are hosts of key reasons that can lead to hypertension, and stress is not the least of them. Why and how does stress cause hypertension is now understood by medical experts. When a demanding situation confronts us, our bodies react by releasing stress hormones in the form of cortisol and adrenaline into the blood. These hormones prepare our bodies for a reactive response by shooting up the heart rate and constricting the blood vessels. What results is an increase in blood pressure. However, such a response by the human body is temporary. When the stressful situation eases, the blood pressure comes down. But are our lives free from stressful situations and constant worry? Unfortunately, most of us would answer in an emphatic no. Our daily routine itself has become a quagmire of stress. The day starts with an argument with the spouse, and then it continues with contradiction and discords at the workplace, and by the time you are back home the events of the day haunt you no end. It will be a marvel if we can identify a single anxiety free day. Therefore, it is up to each one of us to chalk out a time slot everyday when we can work ourselves to calm down our body and mind. This is where meditation comes in.

How meditation helps

Continuous streams of restless thoughts frustrate our efforts to relax our mind and body. All meditation techniques teach us to calm our restless mind. The core principle to meditate successfully is to detach our thought from everything outside, cease dependence on all external and draw our thoughts inward. The result is a blissful mental state free from dependence, want, fear, discontent and avarice. Meditation is a self- fulfilling activity. You learn to counsel yourself. With passage of time, you are in control with yourself because you have come to terms with your environment, your friends, colleagues, and loved ones. There is no reason why such a state of composure cannot have a long lasting and a beneficial effect on your whole being, and that includes relief from high blood-pressure.

I am not saying meditation is a panacea of all high blood pressure conditions. Hypertension can be due to any of the various pathological conditions. Your health care provider is the best person to identify these. Nevertheless, if stress is identified as one of the reasons for your high blood pressure, meditation can definitely be of help.…

The Six Types of Hypertension

Most people think that there is only one type of hypertension. They usually refer to it as high blood pressure. It has been called the “silent killer”. That’s because there usually are no symptoms to alert the sufferer. It is a good idea to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

The common type is known as primary hypertension sometimes called essential. Even though it is the most diagnosed type, there is no known cause.

Next, there is the type called secondary hypertension. It is usually caused by factors that are sometimes curable. Some of the causes are pregnancy related. It can also be brought on by thyroid dysfunction, tumors, sleep apnea, alcohol, and some medications to just name a few.

Malignant Hypertension is the worst type. It is very severe and it just keeps getting worse with time. It very quickly will lead to organ damage. If it is not properly treated, it will result in death in as little as five years for most sufferers. Intensive treatment can reverse the condition and prevent complications. It is not brought on by cancer. And, it is not caused by any malignancy.

Isolated Systolic type may be diagnosed in older folks. The systolic, which is the top number, stays above 160. And, the diastolic is below 90. This is caused by the stiffening of the arteries. And the loss of the elasticity in arteries like the aorta; sometimes diagnosed as arteriosclerosis. It is very important to receive treatment, because it can help prevent strokes and heart disease.

White coat type is brought on by anxiety. The individual’s blood pressure is high only when it gets tested by someone in a clinical environment, like a hospital. Here is where the term “white coat” comes from. It is then recommended that such a person have blood pressure readings performed in a more relaxed area. If it shows a normal reading, then simple follow up tests in a non clinical area will be sufficient. It is good to make sure that persistent hypertension is not developing.

Make a few lifestyle changes. Less alcohol and cut down on the salt. Maybe lose some weight. Eat a low fat diet. Have more fruit and green vegetables.

Resistant Hypertension is determined when a patient’s blood pressure will not be lowered below 140/90; even with treatments using triple-drug regimen.

The causes can be many things. Medical testing is recommended. The usual causes are

(1) patient noncompliance with regard to treatment,

(2) secondary hypertension (sometimes caused by over activity of adrenal glands),

(3) fluid retention (often from kidney failure).

It is very important to make certain that what seems to be resistant hypertension is not simply white coat hypertension.

The sad fact is that the most usual cause of resistant hypertension is patient non-compliance. This happens when the patient refuses or cannot comply with the prescribed treatment regimen.

Sometimes, the patient cannot afford the medications that are prescribed. The pharmacy may just be too far away. It may be difficult to keep doctor appointments.

There may be underlying issues that will require some problem solving to be done by the patient and the medical practitioner.…

Is the Flu Shot Right For You?

For several years now it has been encouraged that seniors receive a flu shot to help protect them from Influenza. Others may wonder how safe the flu shot really is and if it worth the risk to get the shot. You should always talk over your concerns with your doctor and they will let you know if the flu shot is right for you but it doesn’t hurt to do your own research online to discover the risks and benefits of the flu shot. First of all you should know what Influenza is. Influenza is a viral infection that starts in the air passage ways; lungs, nose, and throat.

Symptoms of the Flu

The severity of symptoms depends on each individual but sure signs of the flu include

• Sore throat

• Stuffy nose

• Cough

• Tiredness/Exhaustion

• Headaches and muscle aches

These symptoms can last for up to two weeks. If you begin to feel any of these symptoms you may want to call your doctor so they can monitor your progression. If the flu is left untreated it can turn into pneumonia and that is why it is important to get your flu shot if your doctor recommends it.

The only time you should not get the flu shot is if you have had a negative reaction from the flu shot before, If you have ever developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome right after taking the flu shot, or if you are allergic to eggs. Your doctor may still recommend that you receive the flu shot but they will monitor your condition more closely.

Alternatives

Besides the flu shot you can also receive a flu nasal spray vaccine. This is not for everyone but you may be a perfect candidate for it. There are situations that you should not receive the spray including

• If you are over 50

• If you have certain health conditions

• If you have certain immune deficiencies

• If you have asthma or other breathing conditions

• If you have diseases such as lung, heart, or kidney disease

• If you have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

• If you have ever had a reaction to the flu vaccine in the past

You can still end up with the flu even after taking the vaccination. The older you are the less likely the flu shot is to prevent your from getting the flu. Keep in mind that there are several factors that play a role in increasing your chances of developing the flu. These include:

• If you frequently visit or reside in a nursing home or facility

• If you are over the age of 65

• If you suffer from health problems and conditions that require long term treatment

• If you are under the care of someone who is frequently exposed to other patients who have the flu

The flu vaccination is your best defense from the flu but there are other ways that you can protect yourself. These include taking care of your self by eating the right foods in a well balanced diet, making sure you have enough sleep every night, and washing your hands often. When you go out of the home make sure that you wash thoroughly when you return in case you have come into contact with germs and bacteria while you were out.…

Risks For Heart Disease Indicated By Blood Pressure At Midlife

Another reason to know your blood pressure numbers. A new study finds that the ups and downs of blood pressure at midlife have a significant association with risks for heart disease later on.

This comes from an investigation of data from 7 different studies that included over 61,000 subjects – one of the largest research projects that’s ever been done on how alterations in blood pressure at midlife impact on the lifetime chance of stroke or heart disease.

The research team used the data to estimate the lifetime risk for both heart attack, stroke as well as other known heart events for both Caucasian and African American adult subjects.

Starting with the initial reading at 41 years old, researchers tracked alterations in blood pressure until the subjects were 55 years of age, then kept following participants until a heart attack or stroke or another similar medical event happened, they died or reached the age of 95.

When subjects were in their mid 50s, 25% of men, and 50% of women continued to have normal readings, about half the participants had readings that were above the normal range but not high enough to fall into the hypertension category. Interesting that women had bigger rises in blood pressure readings at mid life than men, African Americans had an increased risk over their lifetime for suffering from hypertension, heart attack or stroke than whites did.

The study confirmed that those with a normal reading at 55 have a relatively low risk of heart disease or stroke during their lives. But, those who already had hypertension at this age also carried an increased lifetime risk of some form of heart disease problem – anywhere from 42% to 69%.

Anyone who keeps their blood pressure number in the lower range, less than 120/80 has the lowest risk of heart disease and stroke; those who were above 140/90 have the highest risk. The longer you can keep your blood pressure within normal ranges, the better off you will be.

Based on the analysis, the team of researchers predicts that

– More than two of three men who had hypertension at middle age will go on to experience a heart attack, stroke or another such even by the age of 85.

– 50% of women who suffer with hypertension by the early 40s will have heart disease, or increased risk of stroke later on in life.

The research findings point out how important it is to maintain normal blood pressure during mid life, and even earlier.

Over 74 million U.S. adults suffer from hypertension, a condition where the top number (systolic or when the heart beats) exceeds 140 mmHg, the bottom number (diastolic or when the heart rests) is at 90 mmHg or higher. The American Heart Association recommends that adults start having blood pressure screenings at age 20 as part of your regular healthcare visit every two years, so long as your blood pressure is under 120/80.

Remember hypertension has no symptoms, you could have it for years and not know it, though all that time it will be damaging your heart and blood vessels as well as your kidneys and other parts of your body… silently, steadily. Your best bet, if you don’t know your blood pressure numbers, is to find out so as to manage your risks for heart disease in the future.…

2013 Strain of Norovirus Spreading Across the Globe

A norovirus variant referred to as the Sydney 2012 strain (so called due to where it has emanated from) poses a significant risk to the people of not only Australia, but Japan, New Zealand, France, and now the United Kingdom where it has spread. So what is a norovirus and why does it pose such a health risk?

Norovirus is the term used for viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis, often referred to as the “stomach flu” despite not technically being connected to influenza. Typically this virus is spread through the transmission or consumption of food or water contaminated by fecal matter, through person-to-person contact, or via the aerosolization of the virus contaminating surfaces.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States have found that norovirus accounts for over 21 illnesses each year, with approximately 70,000 of those cases requiring hospitalization and as many as 800 resulting in death.

This particular strain of norovirus has sickened many in Australia and New Zealand and spread to Europe where in the United Kingdom it has accounted for over 4,000 cases, up 63% over the previous year. Important to note is that for approximately every laboratory-confirmed case, scientists estimate that there are as many as 288 unreported cases, meaning that more people transmit the disease and suffer from the effects than can be properly tracked.

Norovirus proves more dangerous in some cases than just influenza due to the increased degree of dehydration that can result from the excessive and projectile vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally those stricken with norovirus experience stomach cramps, headaches, and fever, which many sufferers confuse with influenza.

So what is the difference between influenza and norovirus? In many instances symptoms can be similar although the differences typically revolve around the fact that the flu is an infection of the upper respiratory system resulting in coughing, runny nose, chills, and a sore throat. As previously mentioned, norovirus results in symptoms primarily associated with the gastrointestinal system. The H3N2 strain currently circulating throughout the United States has caused more severe flu symptoms leading to some confusion between what is causing the symptoms.

Many are wondering if, on top of the influenza outbreak that has been plaguing the United States in recent weeks, the country will see the introduction of the Sydney 2012 norovirus strain as well.

Both norovirus and influenza can and should be managed in the same fashion including:

Over-the-Counter pain relievers for reduction in aches and pains as well as fever.

Consume plenty of fluids especially those that have salt and sugar such as juice or sports drinks.

Avoid contact with others for at least five days, the period during which you will be contagious.

Get plenty of rest.

While there is no treatment for norovirus, you can receive a flu shot to help prevent contracting the flu this season. Follow the above guidelines and if necessary visit your local Emergency Room or physician if you are concerned by your symptoms.…

Influenza From H1N1 Virus Compared to Other Strains

H1N1 and the strains of seasonal flu may appear similar, but are most definitely not. Most impressively, they have different impacts: though a person won’t know if they have regular influenza or H1N1 unless detected by a doctor, it can severely impact unusual segments of the population and is more dangerous than the seasonal flu.

Typically, seasonal influenza infects between 5 and 20 percent of the population and is responsible for about 36,000 deaths each year, but swine influenza is projected to be much worse. It is said to be able to infect between 30 and 50 percent of the population, and cause 30,000 to 90,000 deaths in one year. Unlike normal strains of influenza, that mostly affect senior citizens, influenza from H1N1 targets young adults, pregnant women, teens and children. Children of ages 5 and under are most at-risk of getting swine influenza.

The strains of both seasonal and swine influenza have similar symptoms and are spread like most illnesses. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, body aches, chills, fatigue, sore throat, headache, runny nose, fever, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Like with most illnesses, people who suffer from chronic disease are most affected by either strain of influenza. Swine influenza is particularly dangerous to vulnerable people because respiratory problems can occur without a fever after supposed recovery from the flu; the current leading cause of death from H1N1 influenza is respiratory failure. In addition, H1N1 circulates in the same way that seasonal influenza does. Influenza viruses are spread mostly from person-to-person, through coughing or sneezing people with influenza. People may become exposed to the virus from touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

The swine influenza has one vaccination, while the seasonal flu vaccination changes to suit the mutating influenza strains every year. The H1N1 influenza is a stronger, slower mutating strain of influenza; it is regarded as a novel illness, or one that most humans have never been infected with before. This is unlike the seasonal flu, which we have all been exposed to in our lives.

The 2009 – 2010 winter will be a closely monitored flu season. In the past, 200,000 or so patients have been hospitalized every year due to seasonal influenza complications, and this season’s highly contagious pandemic of swine influenza may double that figure. The actual timing and severity of H1N1 are currently both unknown, though the peak of flu season has been January or February in the United States, and severity relatively low, in the last century. H1N1 influenza may perpetuate the flu season peak to occur sooner, or last longer than those before. Vaccinations for both seasonal and swine influenza are now available at most drugstores, hospitals and even schools.…